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OSSEO, 



S P E C T R E C H I E F T A 1 N 



§1 f oew. 



1/ 

VENDER C. KENNEDY. 



BY „ V 



LEAVENWOETH: 

I»XJBLISHKr) BY THE AXJXHOR. 

1867. 






iSntered according to Act of Congiess, ia tlie year 1867, t>j 
EVENDEB C. KENNEDY, 
In the Clerk's Office of tbc District Court of the District of Kam 



The scenes and incidents described in the following Poem 
are chiefly in the vicinity of Lake Pepin, situated on the Mis- 
sissippi River, and in the world-famed Temple of Montezuma 
in Mexico. 



PIRST THOUSAND, 



Imslby & Weight, Bollktin Co., K. E. Hkmrv, 

Printers. Bindera. Photographist. 






PREFACE 



I offer this, my first endeavor as an author, to the 
public, hoping it may be received with favor; and 
will be content if I receive from my friends a kind 
thought in return for the many weary days and dreary 
nights I have spent trying to consummate this my 
bloodless ambition. 

If I can be permitted to occupy the most secluded 
niche in the Temple of Calliope, and add but a sin- 
gle jewel to the casket of American Poetry, I will 
have gained the highest wish of my most ideal dreams. 
I entreat the favor of my many friends and fellow- 
soldiers. I have a hope ; — must it be a hope of des- 
pair ? I wait the revelations of the mysterious future. 



CONTENTS 



Canto I. The vSeparation, - - . - - :» 

Canto II. The Boat-kace, - - - - 26 

Canto III. Games of Honor, - - - 42 

Canto IV. Vision in the Wild Wood, - 6:i 

Canto V. The Battle, - - - - 87 

Canto VI. Death of Agriscoe, - - - 119 
Canto VII. vSylvan Altar in the Bowei:. 147 

Canto VIII. Proud Son of Montezuma. - 177 



^mOf tfce <^|wrtw €Utitm, 



CANTO FIRST 



THE SEPARATION 



O'ER green hills, and rugged mountains, 

Lakes, rivers, and crystal fountains ; 

O'er forests, magnificently grand, 

O'er rocks and silvery strand. 

The sun sheds his last faint ray 

In beauty on the fading day. 

Nature was in the spring of lovehness ; 

Heaven's most ideal impress 

O'er forest, glen, and rushing river ; 

The winds sigh, and leaves quiver, 

Rivulets murmur, birds wildly sing 

While sporting gaily on the wing ; 



4 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Rivers, swiftly rushing, wildly roar, 
Breaking their power along the shore ; 
From o'er hanging cliffs vines 're pending. 
Swinging, swinging, swaying, ne'er ending 
Keeping time with passing winds ; 
The creeping, modest myrtle binds 
Alike fair violets, and sturdy oak ; 
Mosses, diversified with velvet cloak, 
Robe beautifully the stony brook-side ; 
On the wavelets^ water-lilies ride ; 
The golden willows gently divide, 
With drooping branches, the passing tide ; 
Fishes, silver-scaled, dart and play, 
Wild and gay, thro' the watery way ; 
Wild forests, and towering mountains near. 
In deep shadow^s paint perfect here 
Their forms in mirror'd graces, 
Deranged when a wind gently traces 
Paths across the placid lake, 
When shimmering wavelets break 



THE SEPARATION, 

In paths a course from shore to shore. 
The sun, now sinking lower, lower, 
Break? his broad sheets of light 
On the rugged mountain's hight, 
Casting shatter'd, shimmering beams 
O'er the lake, like lightning gleams, 
Or clouds upon a burnish'd mirror ; 
Slowly creeping, nearer, nearer 
To a brilliant thread of hght ; 
Fading in the gloom of night 
Now deeply veiling the forest scene. 
One by one the twinkling stars convene 
In countless millions 'long the sky ; 
With their brilliant lights defy 
The dread, dismal, fearful, ghost 
Of Pluto, and his gloomy host ; 
All before fair Urania swiftly fade. 
While her starry jewels reflecting laid 
Glittering on the lake, or on rivulet. 
Like brilliants on a coronet. 



6 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN- 

Flushing the East with streaming light. 
Looms the round, red moon in sight : 
Illumes the heavens first, and now 
Paints the snowy mountain's brow ; 
Now tips the forest's lofty pines, 
Then gently, slowly, softly twines 
O'er and 'round woodland and hill ; 
Mirror'd on the lake, the river, and the ril 
Lit by her -glittering, glorious beams. 
Like purest liquid silver gleams. 

Noiselessly now and then would sweep 
The bosom of the slumbering deep 
A vernal zephyr's balmy sigh, 
Crossing where the moonbeams lie ; 
The waves upon the surface of the lake 
In a thousand wavelets break, 
Glittering, shimmering, wildly play 
In paths across the watery way ; 
Dazzling and charming the eye, 
But a moment stay, passing in a sigh. 



THE SEPARATIUX. < 

The moon o'er the bosom of Lake Pepin threw 
Her mellow light, o'er eternal l>]ue ; 
The beams of light now gently kiss 
Each other in pure, ecstatic bliss: 
All nature, wrapt in silence, seeuis 
Lost in Heaven's fairest dreams; 
Naught disturbs the meditation still, 
But the plaintive voice of the w hippo wil. 

Beneath a grand, towering oak. 
That by its size of centuries spoke. 
Spreading its leafy branches wide. 
The lake, and rivulet, on either side, 
Stood an Indian's athletic form : 
'Gainst the tree rest'd one arm. 
The other held a bow before his In-east ; 
A towering plume was in his crest — 
A battle trophy for deeds of valor done, 
Proudest heritage of a forest son . 
There closely clasp'd his waist around 
A wampum belt, neatly bound 



8 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

With beads of ev'rj form and shade, 
Supporting in sheath a glittering blade. 

On the lake, where waves slumbering lay, 
Rest'd his eyes, where moonbeams play ; 
To his gloomy soul nature's concord. 
With all its perfect beauty, seem'd discord : 
Earth's heavenly loveliness could not impart 
Balm to his wild, tempestuous heart, 
Nor alleviate the restless, conscious brain, 
Elating, or rending the heart atwain. 

While zephyrs trace the surface of the lake. 
While its glassy smoothness in wavelets break, 
He gazed in wishfulness intent, 
'Till its whispering breath was spent. 
The brilliant, shimmering wavelets still'd ; 
Forebodings his wishful breast then fill'd 
For a hght bark that would an effort make 
To cross alone the slumbering lake ; 
Peril'd at the heart's command, 
Directed by a fair, experient hand. 



THE SEPARATION. 9 

While gazing o'er the waters, broad and blue, 
The silvery moonbeams stole through. 
Falling full upon the warrior's face, 
So bright you might easily trace 
Each passion 'cross his clouded brow ; 
The classic lips, close compress'd, now 
Move ; from the heart wells up a sigh ; 
While concentrated rays from his eye 
Flash back reflect'd moonlight, 
Like stars on waves at midnight. 

On the winds a sound the silence broke ; 
Quick, as the sound, from meditation woke 
The warrior ; one hand upon his bow was laid, 
The other grasp'd the glittering blade — 
He waits, intent, the intruder to appear: 
Lightly from the brake leaps a deer, 
Swiftly bounding to the water's brink, 
Bends its graceful neck to drink ; 
As quickly bent, as quickly rais'd, 
Out on the waters wildly gazed ; 



10 OSSEO. THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Snuff 'cl the air, shook its head, 

A moment gazed, then quickly fled. 

The warrior's attention direct'd to the deer. 
Did not witness a light canoe appear 
Tn the distance on the moonlit lake. 
With oar so lightly plied as scarce to break 
A wave, while passing swiftly o'er 
From that unto the other shore. 

Near where waters ripple on the strand 
The maiden dropp'd her oar, raised a hand. 
And in notes -oft and sweet, yet shrill, 
Imitated the voice of the whippowil — 
Once, twice, tlirice — echoing, died away. 
From the shore came an answering lay — 
The maiden a^rain regained her oar, 
Directing her canoe toward the shore. 

The warrior, still conceal'd 'neath the shade. 
Gazed, rapture-bound, upon the forest maid. 
As the bark struck the rock-bound shore, 
Where wavelet'^ break, murmur and roar. 



THE SEPARATION. 11 

Tlie maiden, springing liglitlj to land, 
Drew her bark far on tlie strand. 

While she stood, the lovely scene survey'd, 
The mellow moonbeams o'er her play'd, 
And in her eyes met a sister ray, 
I>right as stars in the ethereal way ; 
Her hair, loose o'er her shoulders hung, 
Aurora's breath, stealing there among, 
Fann'd it out on the evenins: air. 
Reflecting brilliant colors, rare 
As burnislvd ebony's reflect'd light, 
Or phosphorus waves on a stormy night. 

Not knowing of her coming, had he been there 
And seen her alight as tho' from air. 
And of approach no signs been given, 
lIcM have thought an angel from Heaven 
Descendinoj to add to nature celestial litrht — 
A goddess given to rule the night. 

The scene survey'd, she once again 
Took up the soft and thrilling strain; 



12 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Then gracefully stood, in list'ning attitudt 
Trying to penetrate the forest sohtude. 

The warrior, with a single bound, 
At her very side struck the ground, 
Like a mystic spirit from on high. 
The maiden utters faint a cry — 
Vanishing in words and tears ; 
Braved are all the dangers; her fears 
And doubts all now are o'er, 
She's with her lover — cares no more. 

Close to his breast the warrior press'd 
The maiden ; her fair cheeks caress'd. 
Her with him the world possess' d^ — 
He with her the earth was bless' d. 

The warrior first the silence broke ; 
In low, trembling accents spoke : 
" You know not why I meet thee here — 
Startle not, tremble not, nor fear. 
That sound 's but waters falHng ; 
That but the. night-hawk calling — 



THE SEPARATION. 13 

Calling for the lost, l.ong and late, 
With heart lone and desolate. 

'^ When the moon rose I was here, 
Waiting in high hope and fear, 
Thinking every moment thy canoe 
On the lake would loom in view. 
Hours pass'd — impatient grew my heart, 
Fearing that I must at last depart 
Ere I could say to thee a kind farewell ; 
Yet Monedo o'er the lake guarded well. 
Giving me this last blessing ere I roam 
Far away from friends and home. 

" Mv mind reasoned thou deem'd best 
To lull thy heart in dreamy rest 
Than brave the v^aters broad and deep — 
Break a promise sooner than a sleep. 
While meditating thus, came in view 
Out on the lake thy swift canoe." 

'' What ! have I rightly heard ! 
Thou, Osseo, doubt Winona's word ? 



14 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CIIIEFTAIX. 

Dost thou not know, tho' waves gave birth 
To all the shades that haunt the earth — 
Tho' Monedo the tempest-waves controird, 
As rough, and high, as mountains roll'd, 
Yet would I have gained this shore, 
Or 'neath them sank to rise no more? " 

" Well, brave, and noblj spoken ; 
Thy words, thy actions, well betoken 
Thee well worthy an equal mate 
For a warrior, bravest of the great ; 
His fairest Totem, a chieftain's pride 
Could condescend to call thee bride. 

*'What right have I, poor in fame, 
Springing from a race without a name. 
To think to claim thy fair hand, 
When woos the highest of our band. 
Ever unreal, your union with me, 
As the sky should kiss the sea." 

"Osseo, art thou mad, or dost rave in sleep 
Hast secrets in thy breast, why keep 



THE SEPARATION. 

Them from Winona? Let me equal share ; 
Let me Gitche Manito entreat in prayer 
To dispel the evil spirit that doth hover 
'Round the pathway of my lover?'' 

" Winona, we meet to say farewell — 
Hark I hark ! to that echoing knell I 
Baim-wa-wa now directs the way — 
Directs me, ere the dawning day. 
To be with Shawanda-see, toward the sea — • 
To the earth's far distant boimdarv, 
When, all my earthly sins confess'd, 
I go unto the Island of the Bless *d. 

" 'Tis true, the hour has come at last — 
All momentary pangs have pass'd. 
Ivightly thinkest thou : I madly rave ; 
On my bosom is an ocean wave — 
Wild, bleak winds thereon roaming, 
Highly dash'd, eternal foaming — 
Passions may curse, yet never kill, 
Past is the storm — my bosom 's still. 



16 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Passions with the brave are weak, 
Reason rules and bids me speak; 
Intently hsten and you shall know 
And judge my deep, my shameful woe: 

''Well remeraber'd the time, the place, 
When first we met, face to face, 
In the forest; 'tis e'er a sacred spot, 
Ne'er on earth by us to be forgot. 
How oft alone we've wander'd there, 
Surrounding nature bright and fair. 
While tlie pale moon, with soft caressing, 
Shower'd round her brilliant blessing. 
'Twas as bright, as calm a night as this; 
Seem'd Heaven join'd our hearts in bliss. 
The bright ho})es of that night have past — 
First pure happiness — I fear the last ! 

'^ Ere we separated at the moon's decline 
We spoke of love — you promised to be mine, 
With one sweet kiss we separated. 
My heart trembled with hopes elated. 



THE SEPARATION. 17 

I would before stern Nootimes stand, 
Offering my services in treaty for thy band. 
I ponder'd well; the morrow must bring 
Winter's drear blast or eternal spring. 

'' I closed my eyes and gently slumber'd ; 
Trials and sorrows slowly number'd, 
Deranged and greatly defaced them, 
Then one by one erased them. 

" I gently slept till golden light 
Erased the deep, dark shades of night. 
When the sun's broad crimsoned bar 
Had dimm'd the fading morning star, 
[ left my lodge alone to wander 
Where, pensive, oft I walk and ponder. 
On a path in the forest's recess stray'd. 
Near where a rivulet murmuring play'd. 
Nature's loveliness everything impress'd. 
Except the wild heart within my breast. 

•' I returned ; sat by the lake, the village near. 
And to me came, while musing here, 



18 



Thy father, Kootimcs, in company 
"With the warriors, Oneep, Nootae, 
Konkontu, the Chieftain's proud son, 
"With your brave brotlier, Quanon. 

''As they approach'd I could trace 
Dark frowns upon thy father's face. 
Oft on the clouds I've traced a storm, 
Yet ne'er before in human form 
Saw passions rend a human frame. 
Flash'd from his eyes an angry flame ; 
From "neath brows crouching, lower'd, 
Flashing lightnings swiftly puur'd ! 

'' ' Where hast thou been ? ' he haughtily spoke. 
The silent forest with echoes 'woke. 
' Speak ! quick ! I v^'ish to know 
W'here lurlis thy visionary foe '■ ' 

" All ! Nootimes, brave and bold, 
To thee willingly, most willingh^, told : 
For deer I can but hunt the woods ; 
For fish I must haunt the Hoods. 



THE SEPARATION. 19 

•^ ' Where, last night, at midnight hour, 
Didst hunt so late; and in a bower, 
And that bower in yonder dell? 
Speak! the secret you know well.' 

" Smothering the passions that raged 
Within my breast, my courage gaged, 
I gently asked: "What matters it to thee 
At what hour I wander, or where I be ; 
Where e're I go; a cause I cannot see, 
Why I should make defense to thee ? " 

" ' It does, proud Osseo ; you shall know 
To your eternal grief and woe. 
Traitor, more than the moon's pale hght 
Saw and heard thy vow last night ! 
That vow on earth you ne'er shall keep. 
Not while a wave rolls on yon deep ! 
Yes, villain ! you defied me ; didst dare 
To steal a meeting with Winona there ! 
'Twas your first, I've sworn your last. 
While absent, the Council met ; pass'd 



20 OSSEOj THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

A decree forbidding you protection here. 
Our highest law directs we should fear 
A traitor — greatest enemy of a tribe ; 
They sell their heritage for paltry bribe. 
I was charged to deliver their decision, 
That you depart the camp ; nor derision 
Offer to a single warrior ere you start. 
An hour 's given, in which you must depart. 
Here are the honor'd witnesses against you : 
The braves, Oneep, Quanon, and Konkontu. 
Your arms, and lodge, are given to another — 
A more brave and trusty brother. 
Here I warn you never, never more 
To cross the portals of the door.' 

" Revengeful blood was in my brain ! 
He was thy father, or blood had dyed the plain- 
He should have died my mortal foe, 
Tho' Osseo fell by the second blow. 
Turning on my heel with deep disdain 
I left them ne'er to return again. 



THE SEPARATION. 21 

Hopes have fled, all visions past, 

This sad meeting may be our last; 

The star of my destiny is fast growing dim, 

The cup of my sorrow is full to the brim. 

" I have no home; I have no name ; 
None know from whence I came ; 
Wandering with the bison round me, 
'Mid the wilds your nation found me ; 
Far many leagues from Westward brought — 
With them I hunt'd, with them fought. 
My adoption 's broken by your laws, 
I am banish'd, and without a cause. 
On the morrow I take the Westward trail, 
Guided by yon distant, lone, pale 
Star, Osseo, which goes before me. 
Great Spirit ! waft me to the distant sea, 
Make me a Chieftain of fame and glory ! 
When I '11 come back and take thee. 
With my brave, strong, mystic legions, 
And bear you to the Spirit Regions. 



22 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

There we '11 live and love fore'er more. 
With angels on the Spirit Shore/' 

" 0, speak not thus, it cannot be ! 
Go not from me, do not leave me ; 
Do not delay, let us flee ere too late, 
Leave me not, Osseo, thus desolate ! 
Let us find a happy home, far, far 
To Westward, 'neath yon glitteriog star ; 
Where, hid from sight, in a secret dell, 
Fore'er in lone silence we can dwell, 
Surrounded by birds ne'er ceasing to sing, 
'Mid nature ruled by eternal spring. 
If sadness on thy heart should la}^ 
I '11 sing to drive the spell away ; 
With roses, and laurel from the bough, 
With wreaths I '11 crown my warrior's brow 
Be thy free, loved, happiest bride, 
Climb the rugged mountain's side. 
With thee wander thro' the verdant vale. 
And o'er the lake by moonlight sail. 



THE SEPARATION. 23 

Hasten! hasten! brave, loved Osseo, 
Swifter fleeing than pursue the foe!" 

Long and close the warrior prest 
The dreaming maiden to his breast. 
" We must part ; Osseo has spoken ! 
Tho' separated, our vow 's not broken ; 
Tho' poor, and nameless, I have a pride — 
I ask not that you should confide 
Your fair form and happiness 
To Osseo, the wanderer, the homeless. 
We must separate ; night is fleeing fast, 
Midnight hour long since has pass'd ; 
I fear our meeting moy be known, 
And you left to bear the blame alone. 
Farewell ! this meeting may be our last, 
Hence a year you will forget the past: 
When I have gone you will soon forget, 
Even ere this moon has pass'd, we ever met. 
Yet Osseo, the wanderer, the outcast. 
Will remember thee unto the last." 



24 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

" Oh ! is it thus that we must part, 
Thus crush'd the idols of my heart ! 
Father ! 0, my father ! thou hast done it all ! 
Drugg'd sweetest happiness deep with gall ! 
Here on my knees I solemnly swear a vow — 
Great Spirit ! record in memory now : 
All powers of earth can not force or entreat 
Me, long as my heart in life doth beat, 
To break the solemn vow I 've made 
Osseo here 'neath the forest shade. 

" Osseo, adieu ! " — " Winona, farewell 1 " — 
Whisper'd the winds an echoing knell. 
One long kiss, one more embrace. 
Tears streamed o'er the maiden's face. 
Thus they loved, and thus they part'd, 
The outcast, and the broken-hearted. 

She gain'd her boat, on Osseo gazed once more, 
Then shoved her light bark from the shore. 
Scarce disturb'd the wavelets in their sleep, 
While she swiftly sped out on the deep. 



THE SEPARATION- 25 



Osseo mark'd how swift she sped, 
Till in treach'rous gloom she fled ; 
Turn'd awaj, took a path that led 
Thro' the forest dark and dread. 
Out of the bright moonlight 
Soon was lost from sight 



26 



CANTO SECOND 



THE BOAT RACE. 



'T was dawn of morning ; the first raj 
Of the Autumn's sun tinged the starry way ; 
Arenas, star of beauty, fading from sight, 
Dimm'd by flames of crimsoned light, 
Mirrored with splendors brilliant ; 
Where imagination, wandering intent, 
Sees golden lands with beauty radiant ; 
On which the Indians gaze, and invent 
Their histories' mysterious legends. 
Making clouds the Spirit Regions. 

Clouds, gold and silver paint'd, hung 
The mountains' rugged crags among ; 



THE COAT-RACE. 27 

Fann'd by the breeze, shimmering roH'cl, 
Seeming to the eye broad seas of gold. 
Gazing entranced, one would wish to flee, 
And bathe within the bright, azure sea. 

From mountain's summit down the side. 
The sun's refulgent beams divide ; 
Giving ev'ry nook and vale a light, 
Dispelling the deep gloom of night. 

Fair-plumed birds from slumber woke, 
And musing, silent forest broke 
With many a long and varied strain. 
Repeated o'er and o'er again. 

Near Lake Pepin, 'mid scenes diversified, 
Spread along the shore, smooth and wide, 
A valley extends, picturesque and fair, 
By nature made a perfect garden there ; 
Guarded from aggressive foes on either side, 
Here rugged cliffs, there waters, deep and wide. 

In this fair valley an Indian village stood. 
Beside the lake, surrounded by the wood. 



28 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Here the tribe of Agriscoe fiourislr d, 
Where peaceful arts were loved and nourish'd. 
Thej went to war to defend, not aggress 
Upon their neighbors, nor to oppress. 

Maidens gaily sport upon the grass, 
Gaudy painted warriors swiftly pass 
Thro' the village, conversing together. 
Each chieftain mark'd by an eagle feather. 

Old Nootimes at his door v^as pondering, 
Back on the Past his memory wandering, 
When, in his days of youthful might, 
He led the braves in chase and fight. 
His fearless son now takes his place. 
First on the trail, first in the chase. 
The fair Winona was at his side, 
Of all to him the greatest pride. 
Musing sad with downcast look. 
She noticed not the pride he took. 
Grazing on his daughter, the most fair, 
He carress'd her silky, raven hair. 



THE BOAT-RACE. 29 

'^ Come, let those eyes flash on me 
As of yore, in days of bright memory ; 
Let those sweet, classic lips beguile 
My soul with at least a single smile ; 
Come, sing with pathos those heavenly lays 
Your mother taught in childhood days, 

" Winona, why so gloomy here of late, — 
Weary as a dove without a mate ? 
Ever calling, ever sighing, ever w^eeping, 
Never gay, never happy, never sleeping. 
Put off this sadness, 't is madness vain ; 
Come, let me see the smile again ; 
Raise those silken lashes drooping o'er 
Those eyes ; let me feel their power once more. 
This festal day I would have thee appear 
Most beautiful. — What ! from thee a tear ? 
What meaning in a change so great ? 
You count future happiness at such rate. 
By these tears there is a secret in thy heart. 
If on earth 't is in my power to impart 



30 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Relief, by word or deed, it shall be done, — 
Whate'er on earth it be, — excepting one." 

" Mj father, didst thou ever love ? — 
Feel flames descendino; from above ? 
Mystically entranced, from that hour 
A willing slave, in the wooer's power ? 
Earth was fairer, the sky was brighten'd, 
Hope was ecstacy, sorrows lighten'd. 

" Did cruel, unrelenting, causeless fate, 
Thy beloved and thee e'er separate ? 
By men of earth was cause e'er given. 
Conflicting with the laws of Heaven ? 
My heart cannot be joyous, cannot be free. 
While strongly bound in greatest slavery. 

" Bare with me ; listen, I will tell thee : — 
When the brave warriors pass before me, 
Osseo 's not there ; he wanders an outcast. 
I cannot forget, when anguish had past. 
His last wild, sad, agonizing look. 
Even now I hear the sio-h that shook 



TEE BOAT-RACE. 31 

His form, — see his eyes, bedew'd with tears, — 
Eack'd by deep anguish, not by fears." 

" Silence, Winona ! Speak not thus to me I 
Far better brave the madness of the sea. 
Utter not again that villain's name ! 
Why to me lay all the nation's blame ? 
He was brave, I '11 honestly admit ; 
Yet still he's not, nor ne'er was, fit 
Companion for a chieftain's daughter. 
What could he have ever brought her 
But misery and eternal shame ? — 
Degrading and disgracing her name. 
I would rather know thee dead 
Than, in derision, hear it said 
The daughter of Nootimes is united, — 
Or that vows are mutually plighted, — 
To Osseo, the last convicted traitor. 
No earthly curse could befall me greater. 
,T would rack my soul with more shame 
Than at the stake consumed with flame. 



32 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

His life 's now cursed, his heart now bleeds^ 
In payment for his own dark deeds. 

" Bj all the powers below, by those above^ 
I will not sacrifice to your dreams of love. 
Now remember a lesson from the Past, — 
Speak of this no more — be this the last I 
Thy suitors are as pebbles on a strand ; 
The most noble are seeking for thy hand. 
Offers I ' ve had from the true and brave ; 
Refused 'til the last ; to him I gave 
My sanction. He is worthy of thy beauty. 
Listen, and know my order — your duty : 
To-day Konkontu will ask thy hand, — 
Think of your happiness — my command. 
Your brave brother has a deep-felt pride. 
His sister Konkontu' s accepted bride. 
How proud you must be in your victory. 
None of our Nation before deem'd worthy. 
Among hundreds you the chosen flower, 
To deck the future Chieftain's bower. 



THE BOAT-RACE. 33 

^'All I ask of thee is to endeavor 
To please tlij thrice accepted lover. 
The Council is called ; I go. Remember ! — 
As thy deeds, fair May or drear December ! " 

He dons his plumes, his robes prepare, 
From fairest birds, and grizzled bear ; 
Hangs bow and quiver o'er his shoulder, 
Is more warlike, seems much bolder. 

" Hear the call of the council drum ! 
Hasten ! we must go I come I come ! 
The Chieftain is ready to depart ; 
Cheer up, Winona, thy drooping heart ! " 

From their lodges to the Council Fires, 
Hasten young warriors, with ancient sires. 
Painted grandly, and deck'd with plumage gay. 
Anticipating a glorious festal day. 
The matron, and the maiden fair, 
llobed tastefully, flowers in their hair. 
With gilded beads their dresses interlaid, 
Contrasting colors of every brilliant shade, 



34 OSSEO, TEE SPECTRE CIIIEFTAme 

Glittering in the fair morning light, 
Like caskets with purest jewels bright. 

The drum now loudly sounds once more^ 
Turn'd are all eyes to the Council door. 
The Chieftain appears, Agriscoe, the brave^ 
He was princely robed, his import grave, 
Yet still loving his people the while, 
To each a kind word, for each a smile. 

While his train was passing thro' the crowd, 
A united cheer, as long, as loud 
As distant thunder, rose and fell, 
Echoing away o'er hill and dell. 

Konkontu was at the Chieftain's side, 
By all the warriors with envy eyed. 
Justly honor'd, thrice in bloody strife 
Peril'd his own to save Agriscoe's life. 

Nootimes next pass'd in the train ; 
Proudly toss'd his nodding plume ; vain 
And most haughty was his bearing, 
Vaunting feats of fabulous daring. 



THE BOAT-RACE. 35 

Proud of Ills pure, illustrious name, 
By brave deeds worthy honor'd fame ; 
Known thro' ev'ry tribe, far and wide. 
As " Giant of Strength, " Prince of Pride." 

Next in file, with greatest ease and grace. 
Each warrior took his appointed place ; 
And at their lauded Chieftain's order, 
With measured tread march'd to the border 
Of the placid lake, where the braves 
Launch their canoes upon the waves. 
Across the waters, deep and wide, 
Arranged in line, from side to side, 
A thousand warriors held their oars, 
While many friends watch'd by the shores. 

Agriscoe spoke : — " Hear, ye worthy braves ! 
I now try your speed upon the waves. 
You have been well tried in the fight. 
We now will test your greatest might 
With fleet canoe and trusty oar. 
The first that gains yon distant shore, — 
6 



36 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 



First that steps upon the silv'rj strand 
Beneath jon distant rugged highland, 
Shall receive this beautiful belt with praise, — 
Wrought by Winona, daughter of Nootimes. 
'T is a gift the gods might covet. 
Hear ! Now mark me well : When I let 
From my hand this dark plume depart, 
The signal 's given, — you may start. 
Each then took up his trusty oar. 
Shoved his canoe out from shore ; 
Form'd in line from left to ri&'ht. 

o 

" Now, with all your strength and might, 
Ready ? ready all ? " Agriscoe said, — 
Taking the plumage from his head. 
'' Ready ! Ready ! Ready ! " answer'd all. 
" Then here I will let the signal fall." 

The bosom of Lake Pepin flash'd 
By a thousand light paddles splash'd. 
A thousand canoes swiftly sped. 
Leaving white paths of foam outspread. 



THE BOAT-RACE. 37 

First in line the stalwart warriors race, 
While some gain, others loose a pace. 
They urge each other with loud cheers, 
Some fill'd with hopes, some then with fears. 
Quick as they lose^ or anxious gain. 
Now many are far to leeward lain. 
With shattered boat and broken oar. 
As one by one the race give o'er ; — 
While a few, more strong, far before. 
Yet struggle for the distant shore. 

Konkontu's canoe is swiftest plied, 
Quanon's is next nearest at his side. 
Now far ahead they lead the race, 
Close side to side, and face to face. 
Ply their oars with quick and powerful skill. 
Direct toward a fair spot, where a rill, 
Murmuring, mingles with the lake. 
While its clear waters wildly break 
In wild cascades of silver spray, 
Down a dizzy, rugged, winding way. 



38 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Swift as arrows still tliey glide, 
Prow to prow, and side to side ; 
As quick, as strong as before, 
Stroke for stroke they ply the oar. 
To friends they are lost in silver spray. 
While from side to side their oars play. 
Wielded with all the grace and ease. 
As reeds shook by a passing breeze. 

They now near the destined goal, 
Now more strong with anxious soul. 
Quanon, to gain a pace by single stroke. 
Trying all his power, his light paddle broke. 
With shame, disappointment and sighs. 
Leaves Konkontu to gain the prize. 

Warriors following close in the wake. 
With disappointment saw the oar break. 
" Konkontu, winner with oar, bow, and lance, 
Must be the fav'rite son of Providence." 

In the distance a war-whoop sounded ; 
From whence the voice, all seem'd confounded. 



THE BOAT-RACE. 39 

Quick as the sound from the other shore 

A canoe, plied with glittering oar 

By a Chieftain magnificently fair, 

Pass'd them like a feather on the air ; 

So swiftly sped they scarce could mark 

The wat'ry path where touch'd his bark. 

The canoe the purest jasper seem'd. 

His robes with pure gold and silver gleam'd, 

Snowy plumes droop'd o'er his head. 

All were fill'd with speechless dread. 

At every stroke the paces were more few 
Between his and Konkontu's swift canoe. 
He o'ertook and without efi'ort plied 
A half league stroke for stroke, side by side. 

Competors all long since the chase gave o'er ; 
Spectators now — as champions before. 
Gazing at the strange Chieftain with alarm, 
Said : — " Who is this warrior, so strong of arm. 
So fearless, and so proud in bearing. 
So brilliant of attire, and daring ? " 



40 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

On, on, like lightning, swiftly sped. 
" Their equal found," the anxious said. 
'' Fear not ; brave Konkontu is ne'er behind, 
His canoe's as swift as the passing wind." 
It seems it will end an equal race, 
For a half league neither gain'd a pace. 

Konkontu is first, now in rear, 
Then elated, now dreads with fear. 
Hopes vanish'd with mysterious dread. 
As the magic bark dash'd far ahead, — 
Konkontu's first defeat, admitted with sighs. 
Gazing on the bark with fascinated eyes, 
Near the brooklet where billoA¥s lave 
Tho strand, saw him sink 'neath a ware. 

Konkontu drew his hand o'er his eyes. 
And look'd again with greatest surprise ; 
Thinking it imagination's mystic spell, 
Yet he saw his form and mark'd him well. 

Konkontu was first on the strand. 
Searching 'long the beach in the gand 



THE BOAT-RACE. 41 

For the stranger's broad trail left there ; — 
Yet not a sign, the sands were bare. 

Warriors join, searching for miles around, 
But not a trace, not a footprint found. 
They for hours described his robes, his size, 
His long, white plumes, drooping o'er his eyes ; 
Yet none could tell his nation, nor name, — 
Knew not where he went, nor whence he came. 



42 



CANTO THIRD 



GAMES OF HONOK 



On a prairie, beautifully diversified^ 
Undulating gently on every side, 
Like billows on a restless ocean, 
With tide alone in rolling motion. 
In distance lost to the weary eye, 
Seeming join'd unto the vaulted sky, 
Agriscoe's tribe their lodges raise, 
Preparing for the hunting days. 
Soon, with strong spear and trusty bow. 
To hunt the deer and buffalo. 

Old Nootimes alone stands before 
Agriscoe's lodge, who, thro' open door, 



\ 



GAMES OF HONOR. .43 

From the fair and gentle eminence, 
Gazing in deep, pensive nonchalence 
On the village, scenes of beauty round. 
'Long on distant landscape slowly wound, 
As tho' ending in the brilliant, azure sky. 
The Father of Waters, proud Mississippi, 
Winding, roaring, and shimmering. 
Like a belt of silver glimm'ring 
In brilliant reflected sunlight, — 
Like flames of phosphorus at night, 
Flitting o'er a dark, clouded sea. 
With waves in wildest revelry. 

Agriscoe mused on a world's creation : — 
" These are the hunting grounds of my nation ; 
These broad prairies, these verdant lands. 
Bound with broad, deep, watery bands, 
Chain'd by rugged, snow-clad mountains, 
Fill'd with rivulets and fountains, 
Cover'd with blooming flowers and trees, 
Fann'd by autumn's balmy breeze, 
Y 



44 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Broad and most fair are these my lands, 
My people as num'rous as the sands 
On the shores of my lakes and rivers. 
For the war-path, with bows and quivers, 
I could marshal an army for fight, 
That would defy the powerful might 
Of worlds united, in single command, 
Should they dare marshal on my land." 
Thus Agriscoe, with vain, human pride. 
Mused ; — he had the world defied. 

Nootimes broke his ambitious dreams. 
" Noble Agriscoe, so deep it seems 
Has been thy rev'ry, you've not seen me, 
Here for an hour in waiting for thee. 
While warriors wait on the plain below. 
Come, come, noble Chieftain, let us go ; 
Champions, in their complete array. 
Anxious wait the issues of the day. 
Our great pride and glory is there ; 
Our daughters are famed the most fair ; 



GAMES OF HONOR. 45 

Our warriors, ne'er braver below 
Threw tomakawk, nor bent a bow. 

" The tribe's convened, the young and old, 
The fair commingled with the bold. 
Thy presence will make joy complete. 
This day's historic, and replete 
With much glorious, ancient fame ; 
Back in hoary centuries our name 
Became a glorious nation in its youth. 
A Chieftain chosen for bravery and truth, 
Great Monedo, bravest in command, — 
He now rests in the Spirit Land." 

" Brave Nootimes, go and clear the way ; 
I'll be there to give justice in the play." 
He donn'd the plumes Chiefs for centuries wore, 
Took the ancient bow from o'er the door ; 
With glittering robes, with pride aglow, 
Join'd his people on the plain below. 

" Now all the raptured moments employ. 
Your Chieftain with you partakes the joy. 



46 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Come, come, my warriors, not for display 
Of gaudy plumage we meet to-day. 
This famed, brilliant, gaudy head-gear 
The champion who wins one year 
From day of victory shall wear in pride. 
And be defender at Agriscoe's side. 

" Chief rulers of nations oft engender 
Hate. A warrior, honor'd as defender, 
Gains all the praise and adoration 
In every land, from every nation. 

" The bravest of your fathers in the past 
Here appeared for honors, as you the last. 
These plumes have deck'd the proudest head 
Of the immortal, — now with the dead. 
I give you a just and equal trial ; 
Each will now take his place in file." 

" Give way ! give way ! " Nootimes cried ; 
" Give way the course on ev'ry side." 
The judges hasten to their places, — 
From first to last a thousand paces. 



GAMES OF HONOR. 47 

All prepared the champions ready stand, 
Intently waiting Agriscoe's command. 
Each has a bright eye, and anxious face. 
With hope inspired, thinks to win the race. 

From his head Agriscoe raised his plumage. 
" Make ready ! In noble games you engage 
Each other, struggling for this prize. 
To this signal turn all your eyes : — 
When to the air these plumes are tost. 
Fly to the goal, or all is lost." 
Each nerved his frame, and still'd his heart, 
Anxious at first to get the start. 

Agriscoe toss'd the plumage 'hove his head : 
Swift as the swiftest arrows anxious sped 
The warriors o'er the level plain. 
In line, in mass, and then atwain, — 
The weaker lose, the swifter gain. 
Ere half way thro', some see 'tis vain 
To prolong the unequal race 
To greater length, with more disgrace. 



48 



With vanquish'd hope a cause invent, 
While minghng with their element. 
Far better they never had tried, 
Than thus excuse a wounded pride. 
They are the great ignoble of men. 
Famed ever as " what might have been." 
Who wins not cared their name nor state. 
They are the lauded sons of fate. 

As they lightly, swiftly pass'd along, 
On either side the strugghng throng 
Along the course more anxious crowd, 
And cheer with a vehemence loud. 
As losers gain, or gainers lose. 
From the champions they all choose 
Their favorite warriors in the race ; 
Cheering him, show an anxious face 
Peering through the vista of heads, 
Exulting now with hopes, then dreads ; 
While champions tax their powers, bend 
Their forms to gain a pace at end. 



GAMES OF HONOR. 49 

Three stalwart warriors seem strongest, 
Their strides ore more swift and longest ; 
Far ahead, side by side, they lead the race. 
In center tallest of the trio, with grace 
And seeming ease, tries all their strength, 
So swift his bounds, so great in length. 

Attention to these three directed, 
Those in the rear all are neglected. 
The vanquish'd in war, or in the chase. 
In memory with the mass have no place. 

These three champions, who are they — 
Seem'd destined all to win the day ? 
So near the goal it now seems vain 
That either yet can lose or gain. 

Quick the question past : " Who these three, 
Destined to claim the victory ? " 
That tall, lithe warrior on the right, 
So strong of form, and eyes so bright, 
Is Konkontu, Agriscoe's noble son. 
Many scars he bears, many trophies won ; 



50 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 



On the war path in terrible fight. 
With single arm has put to flight » 

A score of the fierce, invading foe, 
And sent as many to shades below. 

Quanon on the left, at utmost speed 
Struggles wildly to get the lead, — 
Thinking that with a single pace 
He can win the 'most finish'd race. 

He in the center a stranger seem'd ; 
His head with precious jewels gleam'd ; 
From his gaudy form, his hight, and face, 
Seem'd a being of a different race. 

But a hundred strides intervene 
Them and the destined goal between. 
The spectators now cheer more lustily, 
Strugghng in a crowd, anxious to see 
Which of the swift and powerful three 
Will claim the contested victory. 

Yet swifter still, yet side by side, 
While quick the distance grew less wide 



GAMES OF HONOR. 51 

Between them and the long'd for end, 
The spectators now wildly rend 
The air with loud cheer after cheer, 
As the swift champions come near 
And nearer to the judge's line. 
Swift as seconds, — seven, eight, nine, — ■ 
The mystic stranger left the ground, 
Quick as lightning, at single bound, 
Clear'd the line but a single pace, 
And from Konkontu won the race. 

The mingled mass to the end crowd, 
All in a breath entreating loud : 
"' Who is the victor ? — whence he came ? — • 
His tribe, his country, and his name ? " 

None could answer make, for none knew. 
The judges saw his form pass through 
The perspective lines, one pace or more 
Ahead. From his crest his plumage tore ; 
And in the crowd was lost to their eyes, 
Hid by some deep, mysterious guise. 
8 



52 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

^' Back — give back — to your Chief give way ! 
I'll crown the victor of the day I " 
iVgriscoe said. . They to either side 
Gave way, leaving him a pathway wide, 
To tlie anxious, waiting judge's post, 
Encircled by the excited host. 
Their knowledge of the champion heard, 
From first to last believed not a word — 
Charged them with neglect, or foul play, 
Changing the great feats of the day. 
High 'hove the voices of the crowd. 
Like echoed thunder, deep, yet loud, 
Agriscoe call'd the winner to the stand : 
" Come, and receive from your Chief's hand ; 
Come, you have fairly, nobly won. 
Though thy victory defeats my son ; 
Come, quick ! and without delay, claim 
This precious gift, with honored fame. 
Come, show thy face, or tell thy name ! " — 
All were silent, no answer came. 



GAMES OF HONOR, 53 

•^ Not in all the land would I've thought 
So rich a prize, so dearly bought, 
Would ever thus have been defied. 
Now all bear witness, I decide : 
Although it seems unjust, and hard, 
Yet e'er from this hour he is barr'd 
From all the future rights to claim 
The prize, or victor's honor'd fame. 

" To show that I am truly just to all, 
For champions I make another call ; 
Those yet that by their own free will, 
May wish again to try their skill, 
Can poise arrow, and draw the bow. 
Brave Nootimes will to my lodge go 
Quickly, bring my favorite target. 
Then, my anxious warriors, I'll let 
You all try your skill, with what strength 
You bend the bow ; at farthest length, 
With truest aim, with greatest art, 
You wing in air the swiftest dart." 



•54 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE ClIIEFTAIK. 

Nootimes brings the favorite target, 
Firm and erect on the ground is set^ 
From top forward slightly leaning, 
Mark'd, fifty steps intervening 
Between Agriscoe and the mark, 
Who strings his bow unto an arc, — 
From many the favorite arrow^ found. 
Raised it to his face — a twanging sound 
Gave warning the swift shaft had sped — 
Lit in mark, buried to the head. 
When thus deeply embedded stuck, — 
Accomplished experience, not luck. 

" See ! " proud Agriscoe exulting cried. 
While tossing his plumed head in pride : 
" No chief, for half a century, 
Has done such a deed, excepting me ! 

" Upon yon target — hear what I tell — 
One arrow enter'd, you have done well. 
Within them dark lines circumvening 
The center, white space invervening. 



GAMES OF HONOR. 00 

*' Now you that choose can, at your will, 
At the target display your skill. 
An equal chance I give to all, 
By might alone you rise or fall. 
He whose arrow shall lodge within 
The last circle, shall justly win 
These rare plumes, and an honor, long 
Contested, lost by fraudful wrong. 
Here as a strong guard I will stand. 
And, believe me, the warrior's hand 
That draws the string, or holds the bow, 
I will mark well, and yet will know 
From whence this haughty warrior springs. 
Accomplishing such magic things." 

The champions now take their stand ; 
Draw their strong bows, and at command 
Send arrows whizzing at the target. 
Step aside, and see, with deep regret. 
Their arrows strike to right and left, 
For not one the dark center cleft. 



Ob OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Some in outer circles enter, 

But none could strike in the center. 

Quanon's trial came next to the last. 
His arrows sped most true and fast, 
All in the white circles enter, 
Round and round the magic center, 
Thus far the better marksman. Loud 
And wildly cheer the anxious crowd. 

Last of all came Konkontu's trial. 
Gazing round him with a strange smile, 
Took up the Chieftain's ancient bow. 
Placed the arrow, raising it slow 
And cautiously to his eagle eye, 
Quick and swiftly let the arrow fly 
Thro' the air. Its course anxious trace. 
Seeing it land in farthest space. 
The second discharged from the bow, 
Let in first space, the mark below. 
From many arrows chose the best, 
Drew bow direct before his breast. 



GAMES OF HONOR. Oi 

With deliberate aim took siglit. 
And sent the arrow on its flight. 

All eao-er look where it would hit. 
Agriscoe's shaft, from top to base, split 
In a hundred pieces, flew in air. 
•• Konkontu's victory, true and fair ! " 
All in one excited voice proclaim ; 
'• His the honor, his the greater fame. 
Brave Chief, the trophy now bestow ; 
In boat-raoe, foot-race, and with bow, 
Konkontu is swiftest and truest; 
Tlie jewel'd belt, and gaudy crest. 
Bestow them on thy w^orthy son, — 
Your pride, our bravest champion." 

" Konkontu, come quick to my side," 
Agriscoe spoke, with greatest pride ; 
" I'm asked by these witnesses here, 
To bestow this prize, costing dear. 
These plumes you've worn before a year, 
Have led the warriors without fear, 



58 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Have braved the danger of tlie fight, 
And ne'er was known to turn for flight, 
Though legion'd enemies faced thee, 
Nor have thy warriors disgraced thee. 
" I crown you Guardian of Braves ; 
Your must defend your fathers' graves, 
And these beautiful, verdant lands. 
From the mountain's base to the sands 
On tlie shores of yon mighty river. 
Each tomahawk bright, each quiver 
Ever well fill'd with truest darts. 
Ever ready, with hands and hearts. 
Fall nobly, filling patriot graves. 
Rather than live a nation of slaves. 
Now receive this belt of beauty ; 
See letter'd in flame, '^ Thy Duty,"' 
On its broad, glittering surface. 
All I ask, you will ne'er disgrace 
Fair Winona's princely present. 
May thy last blood and breath be spent, 



GAMES OF HONOR. 59 

Ere a foe shall take it from thee, 
Or with death jou claim victory I 

" Here is farther honor for thee, 
A special, worthy gift from me : — 
A bridal crown, worthy the brow 
Of the proudest earthly queen ; now 
Take it, and as crown'd Champion, 
You have the right to place it on 
The head of her you deem fairest, 
Of all truest, bravest, and best ; 
She shall rule this next year with thee, 
Queen of War, of Love, and Beauty," 

Konkontu took the jewel'd crown, — 
Proud of his famed deeds, the renown 
He had gain'd, intently gazed round 
Upon the assembled crowd, found 
'Midst maidens separately mingled. 
On a neighboring green, singled 
From many, his loved favorite. 
Fair Winona, and placed the bright 
9 



6'0 OSSEO, THE SPECTEE CHIEPTAIN. 



Crown on her brow, o'er dark tresses ; 
And to all fairly confesses^ 
If not love, great admirationy 
For her, fah-est of the nation. 

" Winona, fair maiden,'' he said, 
"• This jewel'd crown placed on thy head 
Makes thee in future honor d queen 
Of our nation. There is between 
Us, for one year, a faithful vow. 
Made by the gift placed on thy brow. 
I take the war-path on duty. 
You rule. Queen of Love and Beauty,'* 

Above the wild acclamation 
For the fair Queen of the nation, 
Agriscoe's voice o'er all is heard : — 
*' Here all farther play is deferr'd ; 
The sun is disappearing fast. 
The day will very soon be past. 
In best good will all now disperse. 
The old to sleep, the young to nurse 



VMMES OF HONOR, 61 

Their strength, for early to-morrow, 
With strong bow and trusty arrow, 
They must all try their strength and skill. 
Thro' wild wood, and o'er distant hill, 
Searching for the bison and deer ; 
Banishing all fatigue and fear. 
In gloomy retreats they mast dare 
The strength of fierce and wily bear, 

" Remember, at rising of sun, 
Well arm'd and equipp'd, ev'ry one, 
Be with Konkontu on the trail 
Of the bison ; you must not fail. 
My warriors, my people, good night ; 
We meet again with dawning light." 

Agriscoe and Nootimes with train 
Depart, leaving tribes on the plain 
To several wigwams dispersing, 
Each with nearest friend conversing 
On the strange issues of the day : — 
A stranger wins laurels in play, 



62 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Yet thro' scorn, or a strange, vain pride, 
Refused all honor, and defied 
Greatest diligence with disguise ; 
Hid safely from Agriscoe's eyes 
His form ; even conceal'd his name, 
His nation, and from whence he came ; 
Tho' wrapt in strangest mystery, 
He had fairly won victory. 

All are at rest, all dark and still, 
Night wraps in gloom valley and hill ; 
The warrior's defeat dreams erase, 
Giving hope in to-morrow's chase. 



63 



CANTO FOURTH 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 



The first brilliant gleam of daylight, 
Mingling with the moon and starlight, 
Just gave Avarning of coming day. 
When the warriors are on the way. 
Hastening to the buffalo brake. 
On the low borders of the lake. 

They gain the brake, and from their lair, 
Chase the buffalo with flaming fire ; 
While they are leaving their retreat, 
Thunderlike sounds their powerful feet ; 
They gain the plain, pass swiftly by, 
Dashing a cloud of dust on high ; 



6'4 OSSEOy THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAINS 

Form'd wavelike, their line is not broke 
By whizzing spear, nor arrow stroke. 
Close the warriors follow their wake^ 
Leaving behind the silent lake. 

The line is form'd, it will not break. 
Following the course the herds take, 
To the North and to the Westward, 
With their fleet horses, pressing hard 
Upon their massy, tangl'd ranks, 
Piercing with spear their panting flanks, 
The warriors follow with fierce yell. 
The loud, echo'd din rose and fell 
On the silent morning air, far 
As would the loudest din of war. 

When mad and wounded turn at bay, 
Quick from ev'ry side, ev'ry way, 
A thousand arrows swiftly fly 
At fatal heart and scowling eye. 
Their strength unequal power before 
Gives way, and they contend no more, 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. '6& 

But with a last, fierce, parting roar, 
Their wild struggles slowly gave o'er. 
Despatch'd, the warriors let them lay, 
To complete the works of the day ; 
On, on, still on, they swiftly fled, 
Leaving the wounded and the dead* 

Seen moving on distant horizon, 
Then on the plains from vision gone ; 
With them went the din — all is still 
In the fair village on the hill. 

By buffalo chase waked from sleep, 
The maidens from their wigwams peep. 
Watching the warriors' mad career, 
On trail of buffalo and deer. 

Winona, from her wigwam door, 
Long ere the day had dawn'd, before 
Others woke, saw them don their crests, 
Hang bow and quiver o'er their breasts, 
Each quickly mount his wild, swift steed, 
Brave Konkontu taking the lead ; 



66 OSSEO, Tlia SPECTRE CIIIKFTAIX, 



In single file wind 'long the lake, 
Down to the wildly tangled brake : 
Saw tliem circling round it wide ; 
Saw fatal, fiery brands applied ; 
Saw the flaraes leap up, red and high, 
While smoke seem'd circling to the skj ; 
Saw buffalo break forth abreast. 
O'er the prairie toward the West ; 
Saw^ the warriors on flank and rear. 
Striking quick with the bow and spear ; 
Heard thund'ring hoofs ; on horizon 
Watch'd them until the last Avere gone, — 
The fierj flames, fleet-footed deer, 
Black smoke, buftalo mad with fear, 
Warriors, excited with the chase. 
Dashing wildly from place to place. 

When the din was no longer heard, 
Winona left, wand'ring Westw^ard 
Along the fair lake's silvery strand, 
Leaving her footprints in the sand ; 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 67 

Listening to tbe murmuring roar 
Of waves rippling on the shore. 
Long she pensive wander'd, and far, 
Till 'cross the wild pathway a bar 
Of clearest, rippling water wound, 
And there her farther progress bound. 

Down on the bank the brook beside 
She sat ; from her lonely heart sigh'd 
Of her dreary and changeless fate — 
Her lover gone, her soul's desolate. 

There is a secret in pure love. 
With deepest impress from above. 
Tho' the world is full of faces 
As fair, many forms with graces, 
As Heaven's perfect model, yet 
When love's affection once is set. 
All the powers of changing earth. 
Wealth, honor, and most noble birth. 
When against truest love are weigh'd. 
To the loving thoughtlessly fade 
10 



6S OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

To a dim, flitting, worthless gleam, 
Compared with love's ecstatic beam. 
There is a lingering pang in heart 
Nothing but death alone can party 
When the physical, earthly love 
Is join'd spiritually above. 

"Winona mused on the fair scene, 
'Mid nature's wild beauty. The green 
And golden leaves gently quiver, 
Break and fall ; some on the river 
Sail with the wavelets, as they play 
Down the rivulet's winding way. 
Birds wildly singing bhthe and gay, 
The brooklet dashing on its way, 
Sending up a bright cloud of spray. 
Silverlike in the light of day. 

'Tis a wild, picturesque retreat ; 
Here nature's ideal graces meet. 
Surrounded by such loveliness, 
Immense sublimities impress 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 

The mind with the earth's creation ; 
From whence came in ev'ry nation, 
Through the wilds of America, 
Strange legends, wrapt in mystery. 

In winds and thunders spoke to them 
Their gods. Dreams to danger woke them. 
Shadowy forms on clouds when sunlit 
Appear'd ; thro' the shades of night flit 
Swiftly by them, and as they pass, 
Rustle the leaves and swaying grass. 

Winona listen'd while birds sung 
The fair trees and vines among ; 
Heard the cascade murmur and roar ; 
Watch'd the streamlet laving the shore. 
Her mirror'd form waves try to deface, 
On the brooklet's shimm'ring surface. 

Pondering nature's loveliness, 
Her soul received the fair impress ; 
List'ning to nature's wild music, 
Whose wooing lullabies conflict 



70 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

With Winona's strange melancholy, 
Seeming unreal^ unconscious follj. 
Making music a thousand ways. 
Nature join'd her voices in praise. 
In this fair spot silence was vain ; 
Winona soon took up the strain ; 
Echo'd the forest wilds among, 
While slow and mournfully she sunor ^ 

" Last in the Moon of Leaves vfe met, 
Upon this very spot — 

Well, well do I remember ; 
My star of hope is almost set. 
Yet I have not forgot, 

Tho' now it's late September. 
The' fill'd my heart with deepest woe, 
I love thee still, dear Osseo ! 

" In the wooing Moon of Bright Nights, 
We met and plighted love, 



VISION IX THE WILD WOOD. 71 

Beneath the moon's soft, pale light ; 
'(Still my heart willingly invites, 
On earth or realms above, 

A union of souls contrite. 
Tlio' fiird my heart with deepest woe, 
I love thee still, dear Osseo ! 

"- 'Tis now the Moon of Falling Leaves, 
Two Springs and Summers past — 
The third Autumn's now fleeting ; 
Winona ne'er doubts, but believes 
Thee true unto the last — 

Waits anxiously thy greeting. 
Tho' fill'd my heart with deepest woe, 
I l(we thee still, dear Osseo ! 

" If a spirit in Spirit Land, 
Speak to me, Osseo ! 

Loved Osseo, speak to me ! 
Let the Great Spirit soon command 



72 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

That I may go also, 
To the land of mystery. 
Tho' fill'd my heart with deepest woe^ 
I love thee still, dear Osseo ! 

" Tho' many Moons have past o'er me, 
If living you'll return, — 

Thy cruel delay be confess'd ; 
If thou art dead I will join thee; 
With the spirits I'll earn 

Place in Islands of the Bless'd. 
Tho' fiU'd my heart with deepest woe, 
I love thee still, dear Osseo ! " 

When the trembling voice is still'd, 
And the wild woods with echoes fill'd, 
The birds are silent, list'ning all, — 
There's no sound but the waterfall. 
Tho' the birds stopp'd to hear the song. 
The brooklet dash'd proudly along 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 73 

Its steepy, winding, rugged way. 
The birds take up their broken lay, 
And make the forest ring again, 
With many a long, varied strain. 

A sound breaks on Winona's ear ; 
Quick from her seat she starts in fear ; 
Konkontu, from whence list'ning stood. 
Comes from the darkly shaded wood. 
He seems as tho' just left the chase : — 
Red, heated blood is in his face, 
His clothes are greatly soil'd and rent. 
His eagle plumes are droop'd and bent. 
His strong, ancient bow all unstrung, 
In quiver but one arrow hung. 
Following where he wish'd to lead, 
Came at his side his weary steed ; 
To the rill side they quickly prest ; 
While Konkontu arranged his crest, 
His weary steed quick quaff'd his fill 
From the cool and sparkling rill. 



74 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Then to Winona's side he prest, 
Upon the bank sat down to rest, 
And there thoughtfully mused awhile : 
Across his face there pass'd a smile, 
Changing war's dread and fearful trace 
To brightest wreaths of manly grace. 
The eyes that scowl'd the foe at bay, 
Were now as clear as Summer's day ; 
The lips that made the warriors quake, 
With gentlest melody make 
Music while speaking to the fair. 
They are not all heroes that dare 
The battle's most dangerous van, 
But he in ev'ry place a man. 

" Winona, why wander so far? 
Hast thou not heard the din of war ? 
Not more than five leagues hence to-day 
We've had a terrible affray. 
While giving chase to buffalo, 
Unsuspecting came on a foe, 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 75 

Couch'd in treacherous ambuscade, 
Waiting us on the lowland glade, 

'' They dash'd upon our broken line 
Wildly, and ere I could combine, 
Face about, or form for the fight, 
They were on us like fiends of night. 
We raUied quick as best we could, 
Protected by an neighb'ring wood. 
Numberless their light arrows flew, 
But, thanks, with aim not very true ; 
High 'bove us, whizzing on the breeze. 
Fell harmless 'mong the leaves and trees. 

" They dash'd around upon their steeds, — ■ 
At their head a brave Chieftain leads, 
More brave and fearless than the rest ; 
Snow white plumes form'd his gaudy crest ; 
A white steed he gracefully strode ; 
Swift as the tempest wind he rode 
From line to line, from post to post. 
So light and quick, seeming more ghost 
11 



76 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Than living man. His body flash'd, 

Like moonlit wavelets gently plash'd, 

With a strange mysterious light. 

His heavy bow and quiver bright, 

As smooth and clear as jasper seem'd, 

With pure, transparent brightness gleam'd. 

His war-whoop was as dismal, loud 

As thunder echo'd from a cloud. 

His commands were quickly obey'd, 

Tho' scores of lives the duty paid. 

" We fought bravely and well an hour, 
Beneath a most murderous shower 
Of poison'd arrows. Still at bay, 
Saw them form in battle array ; 
Then charge in most perfect order 
Down on our lines, to the border 
Of the wood, on our weakest flank. 
Then came din of war ; arrows drank 
The foeman's blood ; the ground was dark 
With many horse and horsemen stark 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 77 

And cold in death. Still battle raged. 
Our arrows gone, we close engaged 
The foe with tomahawk and knife, 
Hand to hand, for death or dear life ! 

^'- 1 saw and knew the battle's weal 
Was in the Chieftain's flashing steel. 
Poising my last arrow on bow. 
Quickly drew, quickly let it go, — 
He reel'd from horse, and fell as dead ; — ■ 
Except the fallen, his legions fled. 

" Quickly I hasten'd to the spot, 
To find where took efi'ect my shot ; 
I tore the plumage from his head, 
I started back in speechless dread,— 
For if his form's on earth below, 
The Chieftain was cruel Osseo ! 
This bloody arrow struck the blow 
That laid the proud renegade low. 

" A war-whoop rent the air again ; 
I turn'd, and far out on the plain 



78 



Saw coming swiftly, and as loud 
As wind before a tempest cloud, 
The foe, re-form'd, anxious for strife — 
In fleetest steeds depended life. 

" I gave command : ' For life you ride ! 
Stop not till you gain the lake side, 
And apprise the tribe of battle.' 
'Way they went like wind ; the rattle 
Of hoofs was heard upon the hill ; — 
All rode for life with right good wilL 
Tho' from the field we swifty fled. 
We left behind none but the dead ; 
Who in the dreadful contest fell, 
I did not count, I could not tell. 

" While urging my weary steed 'long 
Near this fair spot, I heard thy song ; 
I come to tell there's danger here, 
A fierce, wild foe is lurking near. 

" Why do you start ! how cold you seem ! 
Why in your eyes this deathly gleam ! 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 79 

Winona, rouse thee I do not fear; 
Your defender, Konkontu's here ! 
From whence this m^'sterious spell? 
Cause of this faintness I would tell." 

She lay beside the mossy rock, 
Stunn'd by some powerful mental shock. 
Konkontu bore her to the brook side ; 
The cool, clear water gently plied 
Over her fair, unconscious head. 
First no life was in her veins ; fled 
Seem'd her spirit, yet from the stroke, 
As from a gentle sleep, she woke ; 
And her lips mournfully impart 
The anguish of a broken heart. 

" Dead ! did you say ? He is now dead ! 
His fair, loved, manly form dyed red 
In his own clear, pure, precious blood, 
And lies uncovered in the wood ; 
His spirit fled, his sins confessed, 
Gone to the Island of the Bless'd ! 



80 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

Is this but misery seeming ? 
Can it be I am thus dreaming, 
Or does my spirit take its flight 
From the earth's dark gloomy night ? 
'Tis strange to me, yet I now feel 
'Tis all, alas 1 alas I too real 1" 
" Winona, speak of no other. 
Have I not been as thy brother ? 
More : I have proifer'd thee my hand, 
My love, my honor, and my land. 
Do you scorn and refuse them all ? 
So far beneath thy rank would fall, 
As to e'er think of yet plighting 
Vows, or dream of yet uniting 
Your honor'd name and destiny 
With him who paid for treachery 
To-day, with his dishonor'd hfe, 
At my own hands, in equal strife ? 

" If you have vows, as you have said, 
They're broken since Osseo's dead. 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 81 

Come, promise, Winona, you'll be 
My bride ; e'er love and honor me. 
Ask what you may beneath the sun, 
Should it cost life, it shall be done ! " 

"' To give I have no hope, no love, — 
My love, ray hope, my home's above. 
The cruelties of this wicked earth ! 
Far better I ne'er had a birth ; 
For this life has e'er been to me. 
An endless chain of miaerjr. 
Konkontu, I have no love for thee ; 
Speak, oh ! speak thus no more to me ! " 

There's a hope, center of all thought, 
By fair imaginations wrought 
In a thousand beauteous shapes ; 
When love, that ideal hope, escapes, 
What is wealth, what the crown of kings. 
When deep despair, with gloomy wings, 
Erases ambition's great laws. 
Leaving man wreck'd without a cause ? 



82 OSSEO, THE SPECTBE CHIEFTAIN, 



" This hope must die ? it cannot be I 
You must yet think differently. 
See this arrow with life blood wet, 
Osseo's dead ; you'll soon forget — " 

'' False liar ! falsehood the highest ! 
I am not dead ; see, thou hest ! 
The proud Jeebi and fearless braves 
Never fill earth's ignoble graves ; 
We fight in form, the flesh we dare, 
We are but shadow'd legions in air ! " 

Both quickly turning whence the sound, 
Above them, where, at single bound, 
The brook breaks o'er a natural wall. 
Full thirty feet the waters fall. 
Breaking below, in whirlpools play, 
Filhng the air with silv'ry spray. 
Upon which the broken sunlight 
Paints a rainbow in colors bright, 
Beautiful and natural as one 
Bent 'bove the eastern horizon, 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 83 

'Mid the spray, 'neath the waterfall, 
On a mossy rock, stood the tall, 
Athletic Chieftain. His white crest 
Was on his head ; across his breast 
His arms were folded, while his eyes 
Glitter'd as stars thro' summer skies ; 
His bow and arrows hung in rest, 
And still in brilliant robes was dress'd. 
So still he stood, with look intent, 
He seem'd a musing monument. 

" Hence, demon, hence ! " Konkontu cried, — 
Winona sank down at his side, — 
" From whence art thou who haunts my path, 
Rousing my nature's fiercest wrath ? 
It seems you come an avenger of some sin 
Committed by me ; taunt and win 
My just laurels in war and chase ; — 
A scourge to me, my name and race. 

" Back ! back ! by the Spirit I swear 
This dart enters thy heart. You dare 
12 



84 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

Me to mj face ! — beware of him 

E^yer ready with eyes ne'er dim ! 

My swift arrows will never fail 

In Summer's breeze, nor strongest gale." 

Still the Spectre Chief answer'd not, 
Nor moved the least step from the spot : 
His form, his acts no life confess; 
He silent stood and motionless. 

" If thou art form'd of flesh and bone, 
I'll make you answer with a groan : 
My true arrows have pierced the mark 
On days more dim, in woods more dark. 

" Beware ! beware ! " again he said ; 
Placed on bow his last arrow red. 
He thought, with blood of the vision — 
The Spectre smiled with derision. 

Konkontu drawing arrow to eye, 
Quick as lightning let it fly ; 
It struck the Spectre true and fair. 
He vanish'd in the treach'rous air; 



VISION IN THE WILD WOOD. 85 

And thro' the forest quickly rose 
The war-whoop of a thousand foes. 

Konkontu's foes so strong and near, 
His steed flew to his side in fear ; 
He raised Winona from the ground, 
Lit on his steed at single bound, 
And down a steep path swiftly flew, 
The foe with whoop and yell pursue. 
As in the battle's fearful strife. 
It is a race for death or life. 
O'er, round and round them arrows sail, 
As thick and swift as Autumn's hail, 
Breaking and crashing thro' the trees, 
Singing and whizzing on the breeze. 
Fierce, recklessly and wild they ride, 
Down the rivulet's broken side, 
Across the prairie, o'er the hill, 
Pursuing foes the dark woods fill 
With clatt'ring hoofs and wildest yell. 
Konkontu swiftest rode and well ; 



86 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

His swift, strong and well-blooded steed 
Proved himself worthy by his speed. 

Konkontu gains the quiet lake, 
All tangled wood and path forsake, 
And southward 'long the sandy shore 
They fly more swift than e'er before. 
The foe, like wolves, a hungry pack, 
Are swarming close upon their track. 
The sand flies high from hoof and heel ; 
Konkontu seems as form'd of steel, — 
Round him their arrows fly like rain, 
Yet he's untouch'd, their shots are vain. 



87 



CANTO FIFTH. 



THE BATTLE. 



Quiet reigns supreme, all is still ; 
At meridian o'er plain and hill 
The sun casts his dazzhng rays ; 
The lake becalm'd, unrujffl'd lays, 
The prairie is as still as death, 
With not even the faintest breath 
To move a single reed or flower. 
'Tis the unwelcome, silent hour 
When the maidens seek a rural seat 
In sylvan shade, a cool retreat. 

Near his lodge Agriscoe's pondering. 
Northward his eyes are wandering, 



88 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Watching to see return again 
His warriors to the open plain. 

Nootimes sits silent at his side, 
His thoughts conceal'd, too proud to confide 
To him his fears, by word or glance, 
For the warriors' disappearance. 

Their anxiety is turn'd to fear 
When from a wood they see appear, 
Far distant to the north and east. 
With their numbers greatly decreased 
By some mishap of war or chase. 
Hovering on their rear they trace 
A great herd of fleet buifaloes, 
Or strong legions of foreign foes. 

" Nootimes, our huntsmen put to flight ! 
What can it mean ? 'Tis no light 
Cause that would make them leave the chase, 
Nor from foes flee at such a pace ! 
See how they urge, with fearful might. 
Their steeds to make dishonor'd flight ! 



THE BATTLE. 89 

What can this mean ! My tried and brave 
Konkontu, dost thou prove the knave, 
And turn thy back in honor'd fight, 
Disgraced by such dishonor'd flight ! " 

'^ Peace, Agriscoe, accuse not yet, 
You may retract with deep regret ; 
A cause they have when you shall hear — 
'Tis not a flight in causeless fear. 
'Gainst a thousand a single arm 
Is weak. A hundred slain, what harm ? 
How near the end ? — but just begun — 
Nine hundred 'gainst a vanquish'd one ; 
His blood is gone, his armor rent, 
His eyes are dim, his strength is spent." 

Far ahead, at his swiftest speed, 
Quanon came on his panting steed. 
Nor check'd his wild and fearless ride, 
'Til dismounting at Argiscoe's side ; 
Many deep, bloody scars he bore. 
His plumes are gone, his robes are tore, 



90 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 



His arrows, tomahawk and knife 
Were all lost in the fearful strife. 
From the battle most fiercely fought, 
His bow was all the arms he brought. 
His panting steed with foam was white, 
His flashing eyes were fiercely bright, 
And seem'd were bursting from his head ; 
With broad, dark spots his form was red, 
With many a deep, fearful wound ; 
His master's safe, but he is ruin'd, 
His race is run, his struggle's o'er, 
The war-whoop fires his zeal no more. 

" Quanon, what means this wild stampede, 
You, the bravest, far in the lead ? " 
Agriscoe cold and sternly spoke. 
While madly flash'd his eagle eyes. " Cloak 
His braves nor Konkontu's cowardice 
With fair and well-constructed lies ! " 

" Hear, noble Chief, the truth I tell ; 
Witnesses know the same as well, — 



THE BATTLE, 91 

€an tell of our flight and the cause :" 
In hurried speech was made a pause. 
His parted breath quick to regain. 4. 
" Soon as we left the level plain, 
Close on the breathless, weary game, 
Thoughtless of our danger, we came 
On foes conceaFd in ambuscade ; 
From ev'ry hill, each rock and glade, 
They swarm'd on front, on flank and rear ; 
Brave Konkontu ne'er dream'd of fear, 
But rallied quick as best he could, 
His flanks protected by a wood. 
Tho' all were weary with the chase, 
Marr'd not their valor with disgrace ; 
They fought most bravely, long and well ; 
The foe like grass before them fell ; 
Yet for each that bled, with wild cries 
Ten arm'd avengers seem'd to rise. 
While their brave Chief, with flashing eye, 
Led the van and gave the battle cry. 
13 



92 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

I mark'd him well ; I'm sure the same 
That won the race, conceal'd his name 
And his form from your searching eye, 
Well knowing that he was a spy. 

" Konkontu dash'd in the fierce fight, 
To gain his side to try his might. 
Twice with the fiercest might he tried, 
Twice the foe his great strength defied. 
His last arrow poised on his bow, 
Drawn to his eye, and quick let go, — 
The Chieftain from his charger fell. 
His warriors vanish'd with a yell. 
We knew their strength was by legion, 
From some unknown, distant region. 
Swift they fled, but soon they rally 
In a dark, neighboring valley. 

" Not one arrow in all our band. 
Not single tomahawk in hand ; 
Our steeds were weary, so were we. 
Our only hope was swift to flee — 



THE BATTLE. 93 

Our duty now to give alarm, 
For on the warrior's valiant arm 
Hangs all alone your woe or weal, 
Fencing you round with bow and steel, 
Stands a strong monument of pride. 
Defending friends and fireside." 

" Quanon, you speak truly and right ; — 
Nootimes, rouse the nation for fight ! 
For the foe close on them follow, 
Thro' dense wood and deepest hollow ; 
Make ready all that mount or walk, 
Can draw bow or wield tomahawk. 
Lessons this foreigner I'll teach. 
And crush his minions on yon beach. 
Stay ! Quanon, stay ! How strange in me : 
Quite left my mind, through anxiety, 
To ask if Konkontu fled or fell ? " 

" When last I saw him he was well, 
Except a few well honor'd scars ; 
A mark of valor never mars 



94 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

The form or visage of a brave ; 
'Tis a changeless friend to the grave. 
He took the rear to see all through, 
And watch if foes should still pursue. 
When gain'd yon wood to northwestward, 
The sweetpst song I e'er have heard 
Came softly thro' the forest trees, 
Borne on a gentle, fragrant breeze. 
I check'd mj steed the song to hear, 
And saw Konkontu disappear. 
Brave Agriscoe, fear not for him ; 
His arm is strong, his eyes not dim." 

" Hark ! Quanon, do you hear that cheer ? 
Whence that war-whoop come to my ear ? 
Whence that cloud of dust rising high, 
Toward the dark, northwestern sky ? 
And what that loud, clattering sound, 
That seems to move the very ground ? 
Look ! dost see, far upon the lake. 
Thousands of arrows skip and break 



THE BATTLE. 95 

Their power upon its quiet breast ? 

See ! see ! round yon point, hotly prest, 

Comes a warrior, before the storm. 

See ! 'tis Konkontu's noble form ! 

Who e'er saw such fearless daring, 

In his arms a burden bearing, 

Well knowing that at swiftest speed. 

His life depends upon his steed ! 

See ! see ! the foe ! they come ! they come !" 

3iOud sounds the doleful battle drum,— 

Each warrior hastens to his post. 

Numbering a strong, powerful host ! 

" Quanon, to camp ! 'Tis my order 
All lodges be borne to the border 
Of the lake, with squaws— nothing more ; . 
Be anchor'd safe distance from shore, 
Where, safe from danger or affright, 
They can wait issues of the fight." 

Still loud clattering long the strand 
Comes Konkontu, and the fierce band 



96 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 



Of foreign warriors. Far in lead, 
Mounted on a wild, snow-white steed^ 
Most swift of all excepting one, 
His bright robes flashing in the sun, 
Above his crest, jewel'd most rare, 
His white plumes nodding on the air. 
The Spectre Chieftain swiftly came. 
Shimmering like a silver flame. 

" Quick ! bring my trusty charger here. 
My armor all, my bow and spear ! " 
Was brave Agriscoe's loud command. 
" I must meet Konkontu on yon strand. 
Or that swift rider on his rear. 
While we are ling'ring idly here. 
Will overtake and claim his prize, — 
Konkontu slay before our eyes." 

Mounted, quick as wind he pass'd by ; 
His horse threw clouds of dust on high. 
While highly toss'd his haughty head, 
With quiv'ring nostrils fiery red ; 



THE BATTLE. 97 

He knew his master on his back 

Was urging anxious on the track 

A foreign foe to chase or meet. 

But for the clatter of his feet, 

So swift and far was ev'ry bound, 

Scarce had you thought he hit the ground. 

Friends all anxiously look and wait 

The ending of an earthly fate. 

There is a rock near the lake, laved 
By waves — Konkontu there, he's saved. 
The Spectre seems to know it well, — 
By shorter route takes thro' a dell. 
Thinking, by speed and strategy. 
To head him on the broken way. 

Agriscoe saw, knew his intent, — 
Konkontu's horse is almost spent. 
Remaining hope is to o'ertake 
The Chief ere he can gain the lake. 
To one spot all seem centering. 
See ! Konkontu's steed's entering 



9'8 OS'SEO, THE SPECTEE CHIEETATN. 

The bord'ring wood, faint, and weary. 
The faintest hope seems most dreary 
That he will gain the hoped for spot ; 
For, coming at their utmost speed, hot 
On his trail the foemen are seen. 
The Spectre Chieftain is between 
Konkontu and the nearest goal. 
Thund'ring comes Agriscoe, his soul 
Nerved anxious for the coming fight, — • 
Assistance lends his son in flight. 

Konkontu' s steed, stumbling, fell ; 
The foe exult with fiercest yell, 
Thinking the prize was now more sure. 
Agriscoe dash'd between to lure 
The Spectre Chieftain from his prize. 
Konkontu, bearing his charge, flies 
Swiftly along the broken strand. 
" Defend thyself ! bold Chieftain, stand ! " 
Was Agriscoe's loud, stern command, 
While poised his heavy spear in hand. 



THE BATTLE. 99 

* 

" The unarm'd do more thus pursue, 
Kerens a foe worth your steel or you." 

At Konkontu a moment glanced, 
Turning, at Agriscoe advanced ; 
Neither spear, bow nor knife he wore, 
Yet high above his head he bore 
A battle-ax with burnish'd blade ; 
With greatest confidence he made 
At Agriscoe, with as thoughtless fear 
As he would dash on cowing deer. 

Agriscoe's spear whizz'd thro' the air. 
Struck the Spectre most true and fair 
On the center of his broad breast ; 
His strong form seemingly possess'd 
The power of hardest, burnish'd steel ; 
The great shock he seem'd not to feel. 
Nor wound from well-directed lance. 
Still on he came with fiercer glance. 

Agriscoe drew his bow, let fly 
Direct at face and flashing eye ; 
14 



100 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

A shower of arrows, all aim'd well, 
Yet everj one broke, glanced and fell. 
Little worth, giving as slight fear 
As stroke of strong and heavy spear. 

Quickly he raised his bow again ; 
With single stroke 'twas rent in twain, 
He unhorsed lay on the plain. 
As his friends and foes all thought, slain. 
Quick follow'd up the anxious foe ; 
To ward the swift descending blow 
Agriscoe raised his broken spear, 
At his side providentially near. 
The battle-ax came down again. 
The intent fail'd, the stroke was vain. 
And deep was buried in the ground. 
Quick from his back, at single bound, 
Agriscoe sprung, his tomahawk drew, 
And with greatest precision threw 
It direct at the Spectre's head. 
It rang with a clang, deep and dread. 



THE BATTLE, 101 

Hit him most fatally and fair ; 
His gaudy plumes fly high in air. 
He reels in his now dizzy seat, 
Falls unhorsed at Agriscoe's feet. 
Disarm'd, dismounted, equal meet ; 
Neither now can make a retreat. 
For hovering on left and right, 
Come friends and foes to join the fight. 
Clasp'd in each other's iron embrace, 
Wild they struggle from place to place, 
With arm to arm, and hand to hand, 
Fiercely thro' tlfe deep, heavy sand. 

From mortal wounds, blood is flowing, 
Agriscoe's strength, and reason's going ; 
On his neck the Spectre's hand is prest, 
His knee is on his pulseless breast. 

Nootimes, with a rescuing band, 
Here met the fierce foe, hand to hand, 
And quickly drove them back again, 
Upon the broad and open plain ; 



102 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN". 

Recaptured their Chieftain and bore 
Him gently to the lake shore. 
The squaws took his form in keeping, 
Guarding his unconscious sleeping. 

The wild foe did not lino;er lono; ; 
Reforming with war-whoop and song, 
More strong and more fierce than before- 
Where there was one, now is a score ; 
Remounted, and taking the lead 
Rides the Spectre, on his white steed. 

Nootimes with the nations might 
Guards center, — Konkontu the right, — 
Quanon on the left, — all form'd well 
'Cross prairie, thro' wood and dell ; 
Their hearts are fill'd with deepest hate ; 
Their forms conceal'd, most anxious wait 
To avenge brave Agriscoe's wrong. 
In suspense they wait not long, 
For, like a dark cloud drove before 
A tempest, down the lines they bore ; 



THE CATTLE. 103 

Nootimes fearlessly walks the strand, 
His ancient bow is in his hand, 
His haughty heart, his strong, tall form 
Bend not before the coming storm ; 
His blood is up, with vengeful ire 
His eyes are flashing fiercest fire. 

" Whence comes this Chief that can withstand 
Agriscoe's scrong and steady hand? 
And whence this fierce and warlike band? — 
They must be from a foreign land ! 
Yet I'll teach him, — his minions show 
They meet with no unworthy foe. 
Their coming I most anxious wait, 
To try my strength, and future fate, 
In honors fair, and equal fight. 
With yon wild, haughty Chieftain's might ; 
I've seen better days — am now old, 
Yet my blood's warm, my heart is bold." 

" Stand fast ! stand fast ! my noble braves ; 
Defend your homes, your father's graves ! 



104 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

You figbt a strange aggressive band — 
Invaders on your ancient land ; 
They fight without a single cause 
Known to the nation^s highest laws. 
Stand fast ! we yet will drive them back^ 
Less many score upon their track ! " 

His warriors still the Spectre leads, 
Far out-stripping their swiftest steeds. 
Dark and dread, his wild minions swarm 
Around his tall and brilliant form ; 
Down like an avalanche they dash, 
'Long Nootime's battle front ; the crash 
Of spears, with the whizzing arrows. 
Fill the bravest hearts with horrors ! 

Nootimes their fearless charge receives, 
And down they fall hke autumn leaves 
In a blast ; then the warriors rose. 
And madly dash'd upon their foes 
With the tomahawk, spear, and knife. 
Making a carnage of the strife. 



THE BATTLE, 101 

Loud, more loud, the din of battle ; 
On the spears tomahawks rattle, 
Glancing fire, and dealing death strokes ; 
A dark cloud of dust and sand cloaks 
The dismal field and fierce affray, 
Dimming the light of fading day. 

In the gloom, with war-whoop and yell. 
They charged fiercely, while many fell ; 
Strewn with the dying and the dead, 
The plain with streaming gore was red ; 
Fierce and desperately they fight. 
Like demons in the gloom of night ; 
On ev'ry side they fall like rain. 
Yet the dread carnage seems all vain ; 
For fast as they break line or fall, 
At the Spectre Chieftain's loud call 
They form, and fill the vacant space ; 
And in their strong lines leave no trace 
Of all the bloody work there done. 
The battle seems but just begun ; 



106 

Nootime's eyes, with look intent, 
Folio w'd where'er their leader went, 
Waiting but a well favor'd chance. 
To dash at him with his strong lance. 
The favor'd moment came at last : 
Swift thro^ the outer line he past. 
His lance aim'd truly at his breast. 
The Spectre dodged, it struck his crest ; 
His ballance lost, he fell again. 
Fairly unhorsed upon the plain ; 
Yet quick and bravely as before 
He gain'd his feet, and swiftly bore 
Down on Nootimes, and with his hand 
Fell'd him from horse stunn'd on the sand. 
Konkontu, anxious waiting near, 
Quick poised and threw his trusty spear ; 
His perfect cast saved Nootime's life, 
Bringing to end the fearful strife. 

The Spectre wounded fell once more, 
His warriors quickly raised and bore 



THE BATTLE. 107 

Him swiftly to an neighb'ring hill, 
And to restore him ply their skill. 

Loudly they cheer : " The Spectre's slain ! 
But see ! see ! he remounts again ! " 
Quick to the spot all turn'd their eyes, 
Beheld the Spectre, with surprise, 
Remounted, his plumes nodding high. 
Proudly arm'd again cap-a-pie. 
His legions form'd for new attack. 
Fearlessly return o'er their track. 
With their great concentrated might, 
Seeming more anxious for the fight. 

In the strife's momentary pause, 
Nootimes calls a council ; the cause : 
To find if 'tis good policy 
To prolong the fierce fight, or flee 
To place of more security ; 
To make more sure their victory, 
Where they ne'er fail'd to win before 
In strong forts on the other shore. 
16 



108 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

With flashing eyes Nootimes rose, 
Thus address'd the warriors : " Your foes 
Are a bold, foreign, fearless band. 
Strangers from some far distant land — 
Wielding bravely bows, spears and brands, 
With seemingly resistless hands ; 
They are as numerous as sands 
Upon the distant ocean's strands. 
Their Spectre Chief seems form'd of steel ; 
Glancing our spears seems not to feel 
Their points. Tomahawks do no harm, 
Tho' wielded by Agriscoe's arm. 
That ne'er before to us was known 
To fail in cleaving flesh and bone. 
Our fairest shots do little harm, 
Except to unhorse and disarm. 
He seems the dread demon of war — 
Less man and more of spirit far. 
We are outnumber' d, ten to one, 
Our battle finish'd, theirs begun. 



THE BATTLE. 109 

" Mark that dark line upon the plain, 
There lay ours with their legions slain. 
Can we safely prolong the fight ? 
Round us close the shades of night. 
Our canoes are moor'd on the strand, 
They all can soon be safely mann'd ; 
While well-arm'd our swift, brave horsemen, 
Unobserved, can pass through the glen, 
To where the river leaves the lake ; 
Unopposed a safe passage make. 
With their steeds, to the other side, — 
The river is deep, yet not wide. 

" Konkontu will lead forth the braves. 
All well prepared to stem the waves ; 
'Tis hazardous duty for thee, — 
Quick ! to horse ! immediately ! 

" Quanon will hasten to the lake, 
All required preparations make ; 
All our canoes launched near the strand, 
Ready to bear us from the land. 



110 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

" We will hold the fierce foe at bay, 
Till Konkontu's well on his way ; 
Cautiously my weak force deploy, 
Their advance with strong feints annoy. 
Till Konkontu's warriors are o'er ; 
Then retreating safe to the shore, 
We'll launch our canoes on the waves, 
And defy these mad, heartless knaves." 

Down they come like a hurricane. 
Across the broad and level plain ; 
The dust in dark clouds flying high. 
So swift they come they seem to fly ; 
They wait with arrows on their bows, 
Till close upon their waiting foes. 

A sea of glittering spears flash 
In the gloom ; the dread, fearful clash 
Of arms sound as dismal and loud 
As thunder echo'd from a cloud. 
They fight most fiercely, hand to hand, 
Brave against them stood Nootimes' band. 



THE BATTLE. Ill 

The signal came 'bove battle-sound, 
Quickly turning, with swiftest bound, 
Each gain'd his boat, took up his oar. 
And swiftly paddled from the shore. 
The foe, following close behind. 
Yell defiantly when they find 
Them, their surely expected prize, 
Moor'd safe before their very eyes. 
Anxiously they plunge in the waves, 
And 'neath canoes find watery graves. 
Yet, ere Nootimes could leave the shore, 
He lost a hundred boats or more. 
The foe, in a strange, foreign tongue. 
With wildest rage yell'd, whoop'd and sung. 

Thro' the deep gloom of coming night 
Glimmer their camp fires, high and bright. 
By thousands 'long the broken beach, 
Broad and far o'er the prairie reach, 
Lost in the distance to the eye, 
Brilliantly mirror'd 'long the sky. 



112 



Nootimes' fleet, all under way, 
Leaves the quiet and narrow bay ; 
Slow and silently gains the lake. 
And in direct course anxious make 
For a point on the distant shore ; 
Nootimes swiftly advanced before, 
To mark the course, direct the way. 
'Tis dark and gloomy; not a ray 
From the clouded moon, not a star 
To light them safely o'er the bar. 
They gain the center of the lake, 
Their light canoes and paddles break 
The bosom of the silent deep. 
Seemingly wrapp'd in gloomy sleep. 

Night wrapps them in utter darkness ; 
Neither ripples nor waves confess 
A single breath of air, to make 
A movement on the placid lake. 

Hark ! hark ! to that deep, dreadful crash ! 
And see that quick and brilliant flash. 



THE BATTLE, 113 

From that gloomy, lowering cloud, 
Wrapping the heavens like a shroud ! 
'Tis the thunder's muttering sound, 
'Tis the wildest winds rushing 'round, 
'Tis the lightning's dangerous light, 
Wildly breaking thro' gloom of night ! 
'Tis the fierce Storm God's pent up power ! — 
'Twill be upon them in an hour. 

Their hearts are fill'd with dread alarm. 
At the swiftly approaching storm. 
They strong and anxious ply the oar. 
Before the storm to gain the shore. 
Nootimes inspires with words and deeds, 
Still onward thro' the gloom he leads. 
With highest hope, dispelling fear, 
Assuring that the land is near. 

"All banish your causeless affright. 
Ply your paddles with greater might ; 
With strongest power nerve arm and hand, 
'Tis a hundred paces to land ! " 



114 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIBFTAm, 

The storm's following, near, nearer ; 
The winds are moaning, drear, drearer ; 
The wildest waves are dashing high, 
Seeming to join the very sky. 

Before the storm they gain the land, 
And safely on the high bank stand ; 
While the wild winds swiftly pass by, 
Dashing the broken weaves on high. 
Far 'bove the rocky shore, ending 
Their career in forest, bending 
And breaking trees before the blast ; 
Cloud after cloud flies swiftly past, 
The shrieking wind, the thunders crash, 
The snow-capp'd weaves and lightning's flash. 
Seem enacting on lake below. 
Perdition's dread drama of woe. 
Lake Pepin, fairest at rest, — 
Is wildest lash'd by a tempest. 

Nootimes alone, with folded hands, 
On a high promontory stands. 



THE BATTLE. 116 

Meditating his safe retreat 
From the place of his first defeat ; 
And, anxious, watching thro' a glade 
For Konkontu and cavalcade. 

Listen ! whence those heart-rending screams ? 
The lake was lit by lightning gleams ; 
Nootimes' heart was chill'd in his breast, 
For, by that faint light, on the crest 
Of a mountain wave, wildly toss'd, 
Winona's form was seen — then lost, — 
Disappearing with waves below. 
Nootimes stood wrapp'd in speechless woe ; 
In the excitement of the storm. 
He had not miss'd Winona's form ; — 
Believed her safe an hour before. 
With all her friends upon the shore. 
By some mistake she lost her way. 
Soon as they left the distant bay ; 
O'ertaken by the hurricane. 
Had strived to make the shore in vain. 
16 



116 

O'er waves, with the winds, swiftly flew 
Thro' misty spray her Hght canoe ; 
All saw her form and heard her cries ; 
Peering in the gloom with dimm'd eyes, 
They all seek her loved form once more, 
While anxiously crowding the shore, 
Hoping that some one yet may save. 
Some warriors, bravest of the brave, 
Plunge madly in the dashing waves ; — 
For bravery find watery graves. 

" Unktahee, still the water ! 
Give to these aged arms my daughter — 
In preference to her take me ; 
Break the now aged and wither'd tree. 
But let the strong and youthful one 
Bloom and shed fragrance in the sun. 

" That little bark bears all I love 
On this earth ; — Great Spirit above, 
Hear me ; she's my only daughter ! 
Calm, calm yon fearful water ! 



THE BATTLE. 117 

If in the past I've offended, 
In the future shall be mended 
Every wrong I may have done — 
What ere they be beneath the sun." 

Loud above the wild shrieking gale, 
Was Nootimes' prayer and nation's wail ; 
Brilliant the lightning flash'd once more ; 
On a snow-capp'd wave, near the shore. 
She was seen 'mid the dashing spray ; 
At same time from a narrow bay, 
Upon the waves appears a form. 
Braving the terrors of the storm ; 
Brilliant robed — even to the plume — 
Rides on the wild waves thro' the gloom 
The Spectre, in his jasper bark, — 
The flash is gone and all is dark. 

They anxious wait and pray for light, — 
Another flash illumes the night ; 
Winona's bark's gone, on a wave 
She is borne ; — o'er her bends the brave ; 



118 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

With the bright momentary light 
Again hoth vanish from their sight. 

'Twas dark upon the waves again ; 
For hours they watch'd but all in vain ; 
Wilder and fiercer raged the storm, 
They hear her voice and see her form 
No more ; — the waves still fiercer tost, 
All hope is o'er and she is lost ! 

Nootimes, struck speechless by the shock, 
Lies cold and still beside the rock ; 
From his heart all pride is banish'd, 
Winona lost — hopes have vanish'd. 
No heart so strong, no face so fair, 
Not broke or faded by despair. 

Every eye with tears was dim ; 
They gently raised and bore him 
To his ancient lodge on the lea, ' 

Where he now sleeps unconciously. 



119 



CANTO SIXTH 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE 



The sun rises clearly and bright, 
Dispelling the tempest and night ; 
In the ancient village all's life, 
Preparing for expected strife. 

Konkontu cross'd the swift river 
Without loss of bow or quiver ; 
Thro' the village his van has past, 
Wet and weary, had traveled fast 
And far thro' the fierce storm and night, 
To be there for the morrow's fight. 

Konkontu placed each at his post. 
Ready for the invading host, 



120 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Where they feel secure from all harm, 
Behind forts, well mann'd, where one arnu 
Is worth a hundred of the foe 
That have to climb the steeps below. 

Scouts are sent far out on the lake, 
And thro' the dense forests, to make 
Reconnoissance, and find if still 
The foe are on the distant hill ; 
The report comes back : — " All is well,"' 
For in the wood on lake, nor fell. 
The wily foe could not be found ; 
Not even on the battle ground 
A single form, the slightest trace. 
Was left to tell their name nor race. 

Agriscoe lies in the council tent ; 
His breath and strength are almost spent ; 
With loss of blood his cheeks are pale. 
Life is trembling in the scale. 

The Medas all have plied their skill. 
And decide 'tis the Spirit's will 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 121 

That noble Agriscoe, the brave, 

Must soon be carried to the grave ; 

His wounds are mortal, — can't be heal'd, — 

His career is o'er,— life soon seal'd. 

He slightly raised his weary head ; 
'^ Bring Konkontu and Nootimes ! " said ; 
^' These are mortal wounds in my breast ; 
The form of Agriscoe must rest 
With his fathers on yon eminence ; — 
It must pay earth its recompense. 
Soon my spirit will take its flight 
To regions of eternal light. 

" When my light spirit leaves its clay, 
The Great Spirit directs the way 
To the hunting grounds to the West ; 
There on the Island of the Bless'd 
I will moor my seraph canoe, 
And anxious wait for all of you." 

Konkontu and Nootimes came ; 
First he faintly called Nootimes' name : 



122 

" Come, noble Chieftain, sit by me, — - 
I have a last request of thee ; 
You've ever been mj warmest friend 
From the first, I hope to the end ; 
That request is : When I am dead, 
You keep Konkontu in my stead ; 
To thy fair daughter he's plighted ; 
My request — see them united ; 
Then bloods of Nootimes and Agriscoe 
Undisturbed in channel will flow 
In love's pure embrace forever, 
Like yon proud, majestic river." 

At his side, silent, musing, stands 
Nootimes, holding the faded hands 
Of his dying Chief, his strong friend. 
He is musing ; deep sorrows rend 
His soul. Must he the promise make- 
Forget the vision on the lake ? 

"You answer not ! you desert me 
In my last, dread, extremity ! 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 123 

You refused no duty that's past, — 
Will you fail me in this, the last ? 
Can fair fame, won by bravery, 
Conceal hearts black with knavery ?" 

" Agriscoe, stay accusation ! 
There's not one in all thy nation 
Would dare charge me with treachery ! 
I pity and will forgive thee ; — 
You have been my most faithful friend, 
'Tis too late for words to offend. 

" Yes, by the hereafter, I swear 
I will sustain thy worthy heir 
In his rights, at peril of life ! 
He shall claim Winona as wife. 
Fames combined in daughter and son, 
Will consumate glory begun ; 
Our names and fames ever will be 
Hallow'd with deeds of chivalry." 

The gloom pass'd from Agriscoe's face ; 
A faint smile is seen quick to trace 
17 



124 

And light his haggard countenance ; 
Motions Konkontu to advance, 
Gently took his outstretched hand, — 
" Now hear thy father's last command : 
Have honor, be noble and brave, 
Disgrace nor defile not my grave ; 
Heir to my plumes, my bow, and spear. 
Preserve them, they're trophies most dear ; 
Wield them for justice, with your might. 
On the side of honor and right ; 
Bury my tomahawk and knife, — 
They will protect me in the strife. 
While passing the valley of death ! 
" How heavy and faint is my breath ; 
My eyes are dim — ^you fade from sight ; 
'Tis day, yet still to me 'tis night. 
Konkontu, my son, come more near, — 
All around is most dark and drear. 
My sins. Great Spirit, are confess'd — 
Take me to Islands of the Bless'd ! 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 125 

" Nootimes, speak to me but once more, 
Before my spirit leaves this shore ! 
Remember thy promise to me ; 
Though my soul's in eternity, 
Spirits hear thy oath, my prayer, — 
Record them, will judge them up there. 
To your oath, to your faith be true, — • 
In fair Ponemah I 'wait you ; 
Where join'd, we never shall sever, 
But live in pure peace forever ! " 

Gently he murmur'd " farewell," — 
Pass'd into an unconcious spell. 
Konkontu's head was on his breast, — 
His pulse was faint, yet not at rest. 

Thousands round the lodge anxious wait. 
To hear of their loved chieftain's fate. 
All was still in the lodge and round, 
Hush'd every voice, not a sound 
Disturb'd the Chieftain as he lay, — 
His life-tide ebbing swift away. 



126 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

An hour he had unconcious lain. 



They strived to wake him, but in vain; 
Blood in his veins, a pulse at heart, — 
It seems a freak of nature's art. 

When all thought his life nearly spent, 
He raised upright on his couch ; rent 
The air with fierce and shrill war cries ; 
Wild fire was in his glassy eyes, 
While fever'd blood was in his brain ; 
Fiercely he shriek'd, again, again : — 
" Make way ! make way ! give me a chance 
To draw my bow, to poise my lance ! 
Let me try my power once again. 
With yon Chieftain, so proud and vain ! 
Now, my trusty bow, swift and true 
Send this well-barb'd arrow quick thro' 
Air, direct to his haughty heart ! 
See ! my arrow has done its part, — 
It brings the Chieftain to the ground ! 
But see ! again, with single bound. 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 127 

He remounts his wild, fiery steed, 
And fearless again takes the lead ! 
Stand back ! I yet will make him feel 
The sharpest edge of heavy steel ! 

" Charge bravely ! I will make him stand, 
With steel to steel, and hand to hand ! — 
'Tis well, my warriors, nobly done ! 
The spoil is ours, the battle's won ! 
My trusty spear his life has sealed — 
They bear their Chieftain from the field. 
Huzza ! — -just is our victory ! — 
Our homes are safe, our land is free ! " 

Down on his couch, with look aghast, 
Sank quietly and breath'd his last ; 
His proud soul from earth quickly fled, 
His warlike form is cold and dead. 
As a Chief lived, as a Chief died ! 
His latest breath was vaunted pride. 
Fought a battle, won victory. 
With dissolution's agony. 



128 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIETTAIN. 

Immortal Agriscoe's at rest ! 
Konkontu's head lies on his breast,— 
Deep agony his soul is rending, 
His tall form is slowly bending. 
Before the blast of misery ; 
Here's a foe he can't fight, nor flee ; 
There is no hope on earth, never — 
He's gone, forever and ever ! 

" My father, o'er thy form I vow : — 
No sleep, nor rest, will I allow 
Myself from this dark, hopeless hour, 
'Til my steel, with my own power, 
I with blood for blood avenge thee! 
Where thy cruel murderer may be, 
On the broad land or boundless sea, 
I will find him, tho' he should flee 
Swift as the wind and tempest waves. 
Well guarded by his mystic braves ! 
Spectre Chief, beware ! I never fail ; 
Agriscoe's avenger's on thy trail ! " 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 129 

Near him Nootimes stands silently ; 
Tears glitter in his eagle eye, 
Proclaiming anguish of his heart, 
More truthfully than words impart, 
True love and deepest sympathy — 
Tears ne'er conceal hypocrisy. 

Far and near, many miles around, 
Was heard the agonizing sound. 
The nation mourning, their Chief lost. 
Fearfully the assembly's tost ; 
From lip to lip the tidings past : — 
" Brave Agriscoe has breath'd his last." 
As wild waves driven o'er ocean. 
Louder grew the wild commotion. 

Mournfully, more solemn and shrill, 
Was borne the wail from vale to hill. 
While defended by his strong arm 
They were content, nor dream'd of harm ; 
His soul gone, his hand powerless, 
Their great weakness all quick confess. 



130 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

His single mind directed them, 
His single arm protected them ; 
When gone, there's chaos everywhere, 
Whisp'ring evils are in the air, 
Most fearful dreams haunt them at nighty 
Resistless foes prepare for fight — 
Before them their weak warriors flee ! 
Agriscoe ne'er leads to victory. 



'Tis silent, dusky, even-tide;^ 
Nootimes muses at his fireside ; 
The door is closed, the lodge is dark, 
Quick now and then a brilliant spark 
On the hearth 'mid embers glitters ; 
On the wall his shadow flitters, 
His form's reflected by the gleam, 
Seems like a spirit in a dream. 

Quick now and then he turns his eyes 
To a couch at his side, where Hes, 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 131 

'Mid the robes, Winona sleeping, 
While he lone vigil is keeping. 
All is still, he hears a faint sigh, 
Quickly he raised his downcast eye ; — 
His musing had been so intent, 
He noticed not the fire had spent 
Its consuming power in embers ; 
Sighs broke the spell, he remembers 
Why a sentinel he waits here, 
On a midnight so dark and drear. 

The smother'd fire he quickly woke 
To active flame and curling smoke ; 
The lodge is bright with light again ; 
Winona rousing from where lain 
Sat upright ; there was a deep trace 
Of haggard anguish on her face ; 
Her form was weak, waisted as tho' • 
Disease had dealt a powerful blow ; 
Painted by flickering fire light. 
Her eyes were a wild glassy bright ; 
18 



132 

Her cheeks were cold, pale and bloodless, 
They do not as of yore confess 
The blossom of the peach and pear ; 
Loose round her head her silken hair 
Hung gracefully, making contrast 
With her cold, melancholy cast. 

She spoke, — and Nootimes with a start 
Felt the echoes in his stern heart ; 
It was wild, — at each word a pause, — 
So strange, unreal, unlike it was 
When life was bright with hopeful joy, — 
Heart full of love without alloy. 

" What do you require my daughter ? 
Drink, darling, this sparkling water ; 
'Twill cool the wild, fierce, fiery pain 
That burns so madly in thy brain," 

She drank it anxiously and deep. 
Then, as tho' waking from a sleep. 
Gazed vacantly round, above, below. 
Seeking friends or fearing some foe. 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 133 

" Father, 'tis true, thou art with me, 
The past a dream of mystery, — 
Yet some reason I know I've got. 
This is my dear home, is it not ? 
Yet how strange to me it all seems, 
I should have such terrible dreams ; 
Can it be while safe sleeping here, 
My soul has been on racks of fear ? 

" No, my loved daughter, you have lain 
Three weeks with fever in thy brain ; 
The faint memory you possess. 
Is not a dream I will confess ; 
You have been perill'd near to death ; 
I have watch'd, thinking that each breath 
For you on earth would be the last ; 
Thanks, Great Spirit, the danger's past ! " 

" Father, I had a dream so real. 
So near to reason, that I feel 
The dread impression in my heart ; 
Time nor pleasure can ne'er impart 



134 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Balm to the deep scar, nor erase 
It, as burnt by the fearful trace 
Of agony — hopeless despair, 
Making silv'ry threads in my hair. 

*' I dream'd I was in a wild storm 
On Lake Pepin ; no living form, 
Nor a single canoe but mine ; 
There seera'd no hope nor slightest sign 
Of getting to the distant shore ; 
I called for help ; the dreadful roar 
Of the fierce thunder answer'd me ; 
There was no hght, I could not see. 
The lightning but contrasted night ; 
I hoped and pray'd for faintest light ; 
Swift the winds drove me to the shore. 
Where the breakers deafening roar. 
Dashing high a white cloud of spray ; 
I near'd the entrance of the bay, 
Riding upon a mountain wave ; 
All was lost — none were there to save. 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 135 

" My canoe at a single bound 
Beneath the waves the bottom found, 
And on the rocks to atoms ground ; 
I with the waves dash'd round and round ; 
I came up, eyes toward the sky, 
On a rock you was standing by ; 
My sins confess'd, I bid adieu 
To this fair earth, to home and you. 

^'Again waves dash'd wildly o'er me, 
A fearful death was before me ; 
I was dash'd by contending waves ; 
Gaining the summit, some one saves 
My weak form from the last descent ; 
A strange, strong warrior o'er me bent ; 
Grasping me with an iron hand. 
Bore me uninjured to the land. 

" When landed safe consciousness came — 
Turn'd to ask my preserver's name ; 
^ly tongue was paralyzed with fear ; 
Before me, motionless and near, 



136 OSSEO, THE SPECfTEE CHIEFTAIN, 

His canoe on the water's virge, 

Stood the Spectre, — our nation's scourge- 

^' Tho' 'twas a dark and gloomy night, 
His robes reflected flames of light ; 
His snow-white plumes were plainly seen. 
His sparkling eyes the space between 1 

" Dropping his oar, hastily spoke — 
The echoes softest music woke : 
^ Fair maiden, banish your alarm, — 
Thro' danger I save, not to harm ; 
For thy sake I braved the fierce fight, 
And my life endanger'd to-night ! 

" ' Quick return to your friends again, 
And tell them the Spectre Chieftain 
Sends a last, dread warning by you; 
His warriors are strong, their steel true ; 
I avenge great national crime, 
And will scourge them until the time 
When broken and scatter'd they flee, 
Or annul the unjust decree, 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE, 1S7 

Placing tlie ban of banishment 
Round Osseo, the innocent, 

" * 'Tis well they quick hasten the day, — 
For on the lake, in each cross- way, 
Watching them with impatient eye, 
My spirits your warriors defy ; 
The line of Agriscoe shall fade 
Before me and this powerful blade ! 
My voice has changed, my dress is strange, 
Yet is there not, in all the range 
Of mem'ry, him you might compare 
As having just such eyes and hair, — • 
With bearing as proud and fearless ? 
If you can't guess, I will confess 
By taking this plume from my brow : — ■ 
Look close ; dost know me even now ? 
Winona, 'tis for thee to know 
I am the Spirit brave, Osseo ! ' 

" I did not know him, so confess'd, 
Till he displaced his gaudy crest ; 



138 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Then flash'd on me like a bright gleam 
Of sunlight, in my mystic dream ; 
Whether I woke, or fainting fell, 
To dying hour I cannot tell/' 

'* Winona, part thy dream was real ; 
I am almost inclined to feel 
And beheve it all, same as you — 
Deeply mysterious, yet true — 
Impossible for human form 
With bark canoe to stem that storm, 
I witness'd, with a thousand more, 
His bark plied swiftly from the shore, 
Then with you seem'd to sink away 
'Neath waves at entrance of the bay. 
When we found you, 'twas broad daylight,- 
Unconcious, and in fearful plight ; 
Drench'd with water, seeming dead, lay 
In the dark woods in a pathway. 
On a soft couch of autumn leaves. 
Konkontu found you, and believes 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 139 

The Great Spirit has preserved thee 
To finish his strange destiny. 

" We brought you home ; here you have lain 
With raging fever in your brain ; 
We all have watch'd in hope and fear, 
For some sign of life to appear, 
For many, many anxious days ; 
I now offer most thankful praise 
From my heart to Spirit above. 
For his great, compassionate love, 
In letting health and reason reign 
In thy depleted form again. 

" In the terrible, bloody fight, 
And deep beneath the lake that night. 
Found bloody and watery graves 
More than a thousand of our braves. 

" Agriscoe was wounded — is dead ; 
All are fill'd with sorrow and dread. 
Not a brave leaving camp or shore 
Returns, or is e'er heard of more ; 
19 



140 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Some foe haunts every fell and brake, 
And hovers round upon the lake. 

"Konkontu, now Chief, has command. 
And at this moment waits the band 
Of fierce foreigners to appear ; 
Scarce an hour ago he was here 
Visiting, to ask once again 
If you was yet free from all pain. 
Winona, he's a noble youth, 
The model of honor and truth ; 
In future he's destined to be 
The leader of our chivalry. 
It seems he neither eats nor sleeps ; 
With his braves on the front he keeps. 
Night and day, ceaseless vigilance, 
To resist the foe's first advance. 

" Winona, dost thou remember 
What I required last September ? 
You should promise, some future day, 
My greatest, anxious wish obey, 



DEATH OP AGRISCOE. 141 

By accepting proffer'd union 
With Konkontu, Agriscoe's son, — 
Bravest of brave, truest of true. 
You well know he madly loves you ; 
He saved your life, perill'd his own, 
Fighting the fierce barbarian. 

" I thought you 'neath yon lakelet blue, — 
He ne'er despair'd, and first found you, 
Wet and unconcious, on the shore, 
And gave thee to my arms once more. 
What his return — what have we done ? 
From thee not one kind word, not one ; 
Twice are you debtor for your life, 
Then why refuse to be his wife ? " 

" Father, he's worthy, I admit, 
Yet I am sure I am not fit 
Companion for him on this earth — 
'Twas otherwise design'd from birth. 
I honor him the same as you — 
Know him brave, truest of the true. 



142 

" I might, for his great wealth and fame, 
Wish to bear his fair, honor'd name ; 
Yet there's too pure a heart in me 
For life to cloak hypocrisy ; 
Pretend to honor and love him, 
"When I've an idol far above him, 
At which I bow in ecstacy, 
As far above him as sky 'bove sea ! 
The Spirit form'd my heart at will, — 
You cannot change — you can but kill ! 

" Father, hear ; let me tell you now : 
There is yet a most solemn vow 
Of faithful love and constancy 
Between brave Osseo and me ; 
Me change my heart or break my oath, 
Never ! they're inseparable both 
As the restless soul and spirit. 
Father, for thy sake I regret 
'Twas not the design of Heaven 
A different heart was given. 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 143 

Tliat I might obey your request, — 
With Konkontu fore'er be bless'd. 

" Yet the Spirit's will is more wise, 
It sees the future with clear eyes, 
And what it writes on heart or face 
The whole world can ne'er erase. 
The history of lives but stand 
To mark the will of Spirit hand. 

" Remember my dream, or vision, 
Call council, annul decision 
Casting dishonor on the name 
Of Osseo, and there proclaim 
All past feuds forever at end, 
And you will welcome him a friend." 

Nootimes sat listening intent. 
Till Winona's faint voice was spent. 
Passions 'came master of his heart ; 
Up from his low seat with a start 
He quickly rose ; his stalwart frame, 
Reflected by flickering flame 



144 

Of the fastly fading fire-light, 
Seem'd a fabled knight, arm'd for fight. 
He slowly raised, higher, higher, 
While his wild eyes were flashing fire ! 
Winona 'mid robes couch'd her form, 
She knew there was a coming storm. 

" Nootimes, the just, the brave, the free ! 
Me be forced to break a decree. 
And Quanon publicly proclaim 
A liar, and disgrace my name ? 
If first banish'd without a cause, 
Osseo has since broke our laws 
By lea*ding a fierce, foreign foe. 
O'er the distant mountains of snow, — 
Assisting to slay his brothers. 
Rending hearts of fathers and mothers ; 
Agriscoe's blood is on his hand. 
Tho' alone 'mid thousands I stand, 
I will still loudly proclaim him, — 
'Tis just, a traitor I name him ! 



DEATH OF AGRISCOE. 145 

'^^ I told Agriscoe, ere he died, 
You should yet be Konkontu's bride ; 
That promise I'll not shun nor break, — 
You can all preparation make 
To obey this, my last request ; 
I know you will thank me when bless'd 
With future love and happiness ; 
Then you will most kindly confess 
I was not cruel, but sternly kind ; 
When your inexperienced mind 
Receives knowledge on life's rough way, 
You'll see your reason's fallacy, — 
Thank me for saving from disgrace 
And dishonor your name and race. 
To-morrow, in the grove near the lake, 
I have decided you shall take 
Sacred vows of earthly union. 
Before nations in communion. 
You yet will be an honor'd bride — 
Most happy at Konkontu's side." 



146 

In the lodo^e all asjain is still ; 
Winona cow'd before his will — 
Dared not to answer him again, 
For all reply she knew was vain. 

Nootimes sits intently gazing 
At the fire, now faintly blazing. 
Altho' her soul's with anguish rent, 
Winona seems to sleep content. 
The embers on the hearth are dead^ 
The owl is hooting o'er head, 
Crickets chirp drear and mournfully^ 
The wolf is howling on the lea, 
The whippowils over the lake 
Many wild, solemn echoes wake. 
All now are sleeping sound and well, 
Except the lonely sentinel. 



147 



CANTO SEVENTH. 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE COWER, 



In a grove down beside the lake, 
The tribe great preparations make 
To celebrate, with great display, 
The fair Winona's wedding day. 

A gentle, balmy, autumn breeze 
Sighs among the flowers and trees ; 
Golden leaves rustle, fall, and lay 
With grass and moss in wild pathway. 

Maidens thro' the woods laugh and play, 
In their forest dresses, as gay 
And happy as the mocking bird, 
Far in the distant forest heard 
20 



148 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

Chanting his sweetest lullaby. 
Wavelets on the shore murmur nigh, 
And add their musical acclaim, 
To bless the fair Winona's name. 
The lake in placid slumber lies, 
Reflecting the blue, cloudless skies. 

Beneath the grove's fair shady scene, 
Built of moss, flowers and evergreen, 
A most grand sylvan altar stands, 
Form'd by the maidens' tasty hands; 
Carpeted with gold leaves of pine. 
With seats form'd of fair moss and vine ; 
From it long vestas of cedar 
Commingled with the graceful fir ; 
'Mid the forest, the fair retreat. 
Was a place where the gods might meet 
And hold their voiceless communion 
With earth and spirits in union. 

Maidens flitting here and there. 
Seem fairies from the balmy air. 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 149 

Or fair spirits visitants here, 
As thej appear and disappear 
'Mong the rustling trees and vines, 
Joining each other, pass in hnes 
'Long the beautiful colonade, 
On a broad, winding pathway, made 
Of autumn leaves and fairest flowers, 
To lead Winona to the bowers. 

Where the way opens on the plain, 
They met the slow approaching train ; 
Konkontu is leading the way 
With the fair Winona dress'd gay. 
With fine furs, fair plumes and flowers — 
Yet how changed in the few short hours 
Winona seems in mind and heart, 
Or most well plays her tragic part. 
Her face is flush'd with fever'd flame, — 
It seems it cannot be the same 
Emaciated form saw last night, 
Couch'd and trembling with afli'ight. 



150 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CIIIEFTAm. 

Her step is very quick and light, 
Her eyes glitter brilliantly bright ; 
Lips seem to smile, tho' close compress'd, 
Some struggle heaves her gentle breast. 

With fair Winona at his side, 
Konkontu comes with pomp and pride ; 
The bright autumn sun seems to shed 
Ten thousand blessings o'er his head ; 
Thinks he has won earth's greatest prize ; 
The world to him seems paradise ; 
To him Winona semblance bore 
To an angel from spirit shore ; 
He believes with his fair conquest, 
Under heaven he's greatest bless'd ; 
To him all is perfect concord, — 
Love's melody has no discord. 

Bravely he strived for victory. 
Thinks he lives to reap the glory. 
Joy is treacherous ; a moment • 
Quick from the proudest king has rent 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 151 

His fair scepter, kingdom and cro^vn, 
Dashing ambition fore'er down. 
Dreams of accomplisli'd hope, how fair, 
In a moment turn'd to despair ! 

Nootimes and Quanon next in train, 
The nations follow from the plain ; 
Commingle in the grove the old, 
The young, the gentle and the bold; 
All anxious to hear and to see 
The great and grand festivity. 
When the cortege enter'd the wood, 
Where the fair maidens waiting stood. 
From each niche, vine, leaf and tree, 
Came a wild, soft, sweet melody : — 

All make way, make way for the fair ! 

All make way, make way for the brave ! 
Sing softly, ye nymphs of the air. 

Your brightest plumes flutter and wave. 
Welcome, Winona, the nation's most fair ! 
Welcome, Konkontu, Agriscoe's proud heir ! 



152 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Strew the way with fairest flowers ! 

Lead the way to sylvan altar ! 
Make joyous, joyous, passing hours, — 

Sing, sing, do not cease nor falter ! 
Welcome, Winona, the nation's most fair ! 
Welcome, Konkontu, Agriscoe's proud heir ! 

How happy, how happy are they ! 

IIow happy, how happy are we . 
The sun sheds his fairest, bright ray, 

Over fair mountain, lake and lea. 
Welcome, Winona, the nation's most fair ! 
Welcome, Konkontu, Agriscoe's proud heir ! 

Gently sighs the fragrant breeze, 

Musically murmurs the rill — 
Tremble golden leaves on the trees. 

All must join our song with a will ! 
Welcome, Winona, the nation's most fair ! 
Welcome, Konkontu, Agriscoe's proud heir ! 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 153 

The concourse pass'd silent along, 
Listening to the wildwood song ; 
Maidens coming from the bowers, 
Strew o'er them feathers and flowers. 

They are at the sylvan altar ; 
Winona's footsteps now falter ; 
The dread moment at last has come ! 
She's unconcious of the wild hum 
Of admiration pass'd round her ; 
Some mysterious spell bound her 
To the spot, thoughtless and speechless ; 
Her staring eyes seem to confess 
Some powerful anguish at the heart. 
Nootimes spoke ; she woke with a start, 
Became conscious it was no dream ; 
Her reason brought despair's last gleam, — 
There seems no hope, no chance to flee 
This long-fear'd dreaded mockery. 
She had nourished hope to this hour, 
Till gain'd the altar in the bower. 



154 

Nootimes would retract his decree 



And save from fearful tragedy. 
Like tlie fatal decree, she heard 
His last most harsh and cruel word. 
One step would she obey, never ! 
Tho' the earth is lost forever ! 
In the future there's hope and love 
In the fair Spirit lands above. 

" Father, I most humbly pray, 
If nothing more, an hour's delay ; 
I wish a moment's thoughtful rest. 
To still this flutt'ring in my breast." 

" I see no cause for such request ; 
It seems to me it would be best 
You first become Konkontu's bride, — 
You then can rest with greater pride ; 
Yet 'tis for Konkontu to say 
He will prolong festivity." 

" If Winona an hour should choose 
To make delay, I can't refuse ; 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 155 

Days like this, with such happiness, 
Seem but moments — an hour is less. 
He that perill'd for her his life 
In the wild chase and fiercest strife. 
Will not refuse a slight request, — 
With pleasure I grant her behest." 

Strange flames shot from Winona's eye, 
Tier compress'd lips escape a sigh ; 
Blood is flush'd o'er her cheeks again, 
She has delay, yet hope is vain. 

Matrons commingle to bless her, 
Maidens hasten to caress her. 
Surrounded by her friends she stood. 
Heavenly fair, as pure, as good — 
Center of all wondering eyes — 
Perfect as Eve in Paradise 
Before her wickedness and fall. 
Her hair hangs o'er her like a pall. 
With tresses streaming in the air, — 
For earth she seems too pure and fair. 
21 



156 OSSEO, THE SPECTEE CHIEFTAm. 

" Come, maidens, go to the lake side, 
Where the fair water-lilies ride ; 
Come, and gather some and crown me. 
And name m-e the nymph of the sea," 

Thej go fairy-like down the bay, 
Singing and laughing, free and gay, 
Disappearing 'mid vines and trees, 
Their song borne back upon the breeze ; 
Their friends intently watch their flight, 
'Till the last disappear from sight. 

'Long the shore together they stray, 
Gathering lilies from the bay ; 
They wander far the shore along, 
"Winona leads the laughing throng. 
At last they come where ragged rocks 
^Long the shore farther progress locks, 
Where the wild waves, in fearful race, 
Break 'gainst the perpendicular base 
Of a rough, wild and dizzy chff, — 
Their way is barr'd without a skiff. 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE EOWER. 157 

They leave the lake, climb the steep way, 
On paths, o'er rocks mossy and grey, — 
O'er and 'round them swing pending vines. 
Commingled with the mountain pines ; 
From each crevice wild flowers spring, 
Birds 'mong the trees unceasing sing. 

Winona climbs higher, higher. 
Her eyes flash mysterious fire ; 
With great excitement of the race, 
A crimson flame is in her face. 
She gains the summit of the rock. 
Maidens following round her flock ; 
While on a rock she sat to rest. 
With lilies and flowers they dress'd 
Her hair, and robed her form most gay. 
Beneath them woodland, lake and bay. 
With a cloudless sky above them. 
Spread like panoramas round them, 
Winding rivers sun-lit glimmer. 
Waves on the lake flash and shimmer, 



158 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Grass on plains as waves on ocean 
Keep an eternal commotion, 
The deep gloom of the wild forest 
Stretches far away to the west. 

Where the wavelets murmur and break, 
In a valley beside the lake, 
Stands the village of Agriscoe, 
At base of rock on plains below. 
From sylvan grove, watching intent 
Their hazardous, fearless ascent, 
Commingle friends and anxious ask : 
" Why maidens undertake the task 
Of gaining by hazardous route 
The summit of dizzy lookout ?" 

Winona, deck'd gay, looks as fair 
As a gauzy- wing'd nymph of air ; 
Over her wild, pure loveliness 
Seems Heaven's celestial impress — 
Queenly virtue, honor and truth, 
Destined to die in bloom of youth. 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWEK. 159 

Winona said to those at her side : 
^^ Soon I must be a Spirit bride ; 
My heart's sorrowful and weary, . 
To me the world's dark and dreary ; 
What on earth is destined for me ? 
Without hope there's but misery ; 
Soon from the earth we all must go, — 
Why prolong agonizing woe ? 

" Maidens, to place upon my heart 
I need one rose; see, far apart. 
See that beauty on yon cliff side, 
In a crevice trying to hide — 
'Tis fairest rose I've gazed upon ! 
Wait, maidens, see, there is but one ! 
'Twas first discover'd by my eyes, 
In justice 'tis my special prize." 

She sped 'long a narrow causeway. 
Many dizzy feet 'hove the bay ; 
Her friends below, with anxious eyes, 
Watch her movements with great surprise. 



160 03SE0, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

The surest foot, with strongest arm. 
Ne'er cross'd that path without alarm, 
Yet Vfinona, while passing there, 
Seems borne upon the autumn air. 
She cross'd safe to the narrow ledge ; 
Leaning o'er the dangerous edge, 
Anxious pluck'd the wild mountain rose ; 
Then turning quickly, said to those 
Upon the rock from whence she came : — 
" This pure, white, spotless rose I name 
Winona — the pure, the spotless ! 
Forgive, Great Spirit, I confess 
Like this fair wild rose I was rear'd — 
By all was loved, honor'd, and fear'd ! 
Rocks guarded it, friends guarded me 
From insult or foul treachery. 

" By love they thought me neglected ; 
But when they little expected 
There came a hero, brave and fair. 
Far from the westward : he was heir 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWEK, 161 

To no rank, no fair dominion ; 
His strong arm, and wise opinion, 
Made him loved and honor'd by all. 
He came at destiny's wise call, 
Daring the earthly gulf between 
Where love's fair rose unculFd was seen 
Shedding its beauty and fragrance ; 
His eyes spoke love — I saw the glance; 
His form was fair, his voice was sweet ; 
Our days of happiness were fleet 
As the first dream of Spirit-land. 
I crush this flower in my hand 
As my heart was crush'd, hopes faded ; 
My father unjustly aided 
The suit of one I ne'er could love. 
Contrary to designs above." 

" Return to friends on plains below, 
Tell them soon in spirit I go 
To join Osseo, with the bless'd — 
With the sitting sun to the west. 



1G2 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAm, 

" Maidens, as you love life, fear 
An untimely death, come not here I 
None, no, not one, can stay me now, — - 
But one slight step, and from the brow 
Of this rock I forget my woe, 
Mangled on cliffs far, far below ! " 

The maidens, fill'd with dread affright^ 
Swift as gazelles could, make their flight ; 
They hasten to their friends and tell : 
" Winona was seized by some spell, 
Spoke strange of hope, love and despair, , 
Eent her fair robes and tore her hair, 
And raged about her aching heart, 
At fear of death bid us depart. 
Is there not here some fearless brave 
Before too late will try to save 
Her from a most terrible death ? " 

Hush'd in agony ev'ry breath, — 
Motionless all in that vast crowd ; 
Then broke forth in murmurs as loud 



SYLVAN ALTAR IX THE BOWER. 163 

As roar of fiercest hurricane. 
They rush from the woods to the plain, 
From the plain to shore of the lake, 
From the lake shore to tangled hrake, 
From the brake to base of the hill, — 
Commingling with fears of ill. 

Nootimes is borne 'long with the rest, 
Fearful remorse is in his breast. 
On the clijQf's edge, 'bove the water, 
In great peril stands his daughter ; 
Iler arms are folded on her breast. 
Gazing at the sun in the west ; 
Her brilHantly reflected hair 
Floats o'er her like clouds on the air ; 
A silv'ry mist 'round her lingers. 
The rose still clutch'd in her fingers ; 
With the sunlight o'er her streaming 
She seems a fair ans-el dreamincr, 

o o 

Nootimes is first to break silence, — 
He upward gazed with anxious glance : 

22 



16-1 



" Winona, come from that high place," 
He kindly said. She turn'd her face 
And answered : " Come down on the breeze ! 
Yes, mangled on the rocks and trees ! 
You are not here to restrain me ; 
My voice you hear, my form you see, 
In life and health, for the last time ! 
That steep, winding way you can't climb 
In time to save me from this fate, — 
All your kind words have come too late ! 
" Father, you have brought all this ill, 
Trying to force me 'gainst my will 
To break vows recorded above, — 
Marry a brave I ne'er could love. 
You thought my heart would acquiesce 
To your stern will and his caress; 
You judged my heart by my weak frame, 
Forgetting my blood is the same 
As in Nootimes' strong veins and breast — 
On earth a master ne'er confess'd. 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 165 

But courses as wild and as free 
As billows on a restless sea ! 

'^ Yet for the wrongs you have done me 
I most willingly forgive thee. 
The world is most gloomy and dark, 
On the shore waits the seraph bark 
To bear me to the Spirit land, — 
The oar in my Osseo's hand ! 
He will row me over in pride. 
In spirit claim his Spirit bride." 

On the broken ridge far below 
Friends gazed at her in speechless woe ; 
They heard her heart's anguish confess'd 
And deep remorse fill'd ev'ry breast. 

" Winona, come back to my arms, 
Your mind is fill'd with causeless alarms ! " 
In wildest anguish Nootimes cried ; 
^' Come down, thou hast broken my pride ! 
My anger's now gone forever ; 
If you wish, you shall not, never. 



166 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Be forced to break your solemn vow, — 
Down on my knees I swear it now ! 

" My daughter, most beloved, most fair, 
Nootimes first loved and proudest heir, 
pity your father's gray hair, 
Have compassion, answer my prayer ! " 

" I can't believe, I know your will, 
Your motto is : * Conquor or kill ! ' 
When thrice you promise and deceive, 
You must not think I could believe ; 
If I did I wish not to stay 
On this cold earth another day ! 
Be brave, be true, I go before, — 
You'll join me on the Spirit shore." 

One more step, she stood on the virge. 
In a clear voice commenced her dirge ; 
In silent, anxious, list'ning mood, 
Her friends far, far beneath her stood; 
On their ears fell the mournful strain. 
Rending their hearts with fearful pain : 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER, 167 

^' Farewell to the shady forest, 
"With beautiful trees and flowers ; 

I love them, the purest and best, 
Adieu to thy fair, loved bowers. 

To the Great Spirit my sins confess'd, 

I go to the Island of the Bless'd, 

" Farewell to the river and lake, 
Fairest of the fair lakes I grieve ; 

With canoe ne'er more will I take 

Rides on thy waves — I soon must leave. 

To the Great Spirit my sins confess'd, 

I go to the Island of the Bless'd. 

" Farewell to the fair plain below, 

Where our silent village is seen ; 
There I had joy, there I had woe, — 

A dark shadow has come between. 
To the Great Spirit my sins confess'd, 
I go to the Island of the Bless'd. 



168 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

" Farewell to tlie earth and sky, 

Ev'ry friend and cruel foe ; 
Farewell, farewell, I now must die, 

I am going — yes, I must go. 
To the Great Spirit my sins confess'd, 
I go to the Island of the Bless'd." 

While she sung, from the rocky base 
A hundred braves, swiftest in chase. 
From rock to rock reckless leap 
Up the side of the rugged steep ; 
Hoping that some one may yet save 
Her from a dread, untimely grave ; 
Their anxious friends, with eyes intent. 
Watch them in their fearless ascent. 

Konkontu leads them, far ahead. 
Inspired with hope and urged by dread ; 
He climbs the dizzy cliff as fast 
As sailors their favorite mast ; 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 169 

Each vine and bush lent him their aid, 
Each broken rock a footing made ; 
All thought each moment he would fall, 
While on the perpendicular wall. 

He was safe — had just gain'd the base 
Of the last rock, when face to face. 
At. the end of the narrow causeway, 
Dress'd as ever, gaudj^ and gay, 
Met the Spectre, his mortal foe ! "^ 
All saw the meeting from below. 

Konkontu was on fatal path ; 
" Stand back ! " the Spectre spoke in wrath ; 
" Quick ! quick ! ere too late, let me save 
That maiden from a fearful grave. 
Quick ! for your life, a moment more 
All is lost on earth, all hope o'er 
Forever ; what ! do you still stand 
Across my path ? He raised his hand, 
Clutch'd and hurl'd him 'gainst a rock ; 
Konkontu, tho' stunn'd by the shock. 



170 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Raised quick, and as the Chief pass'd him, 
Although his eyes were very dim, 
He clasp'd him in a strong embrace, — 
They fell on the path, face to face. 

Both were unarm'd, equipp'd for flight, — 
They come to save, and not to fight; 
Yet each most unexpectedly 
Met his most mortal enemy. 

Terrible they struggle, and long, 
While lasts Winona's mournful song ; 
Together rise, together fall, — 
From below they are seen by all. 

They quickly gain a narrow ledge, 
Struggle wildly on very edge ; 
Both lost ! no — no — wild was the yell, 
When Konkontu's form mangled fell. 
With all life extinct, before them, — 
Spirits of evil seem o'er them. 

The Spectre, freed from enemy, 
Dash'd cross the narrow causeway ; 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE B0^.T1:E. 171 

His plumes are off, his head is bare, 
Back stream'd his silken, raven hair. 

" Winona, stay ! stay ! do not fear, 
Thy lover, thy defender's here ! 
Why fear ! ^-hy flee ! do you not know 
I am thy loved, lost Osseo ? " 

" Spirit Osseo, come ^ith me, 
As a spirit I will join thee ! 
There we will live and love as one,— 
Meet me, meet me, with sitting sun ! " 
She said, and ere he gain'd her side 
She was indeed a Spirit bride. 

One last, lingering look at him, 
Then at the sun fast growing dim ; 
Her foot was on the narrow ledge 
Of precipice's highest ledge. 

Her lips faintly murmur'd a prayer, 
Then launch'd her hght form on the air ! 
Down, down, down, on the autumn breeze, 
'Mong broken rocks and stunted trees, 
23 



172 

Her fair form was greatly mangled, 
Her dark hair with gore was tangled ; 
Moss-cover'd rocks there drank the flood, 
While from her veins pour'd her pure blood. 
Modest myrtle and mountain vine 
Broke her fearful fall, and still twine 
Over and round her form and face, — 
There is no semblance, not a trace. 
Of her fabulous beauty there ; 
Tangled and dishevil'd her hair. 
Her fair face gash'd and greatly bruised. 
From which purest blood slowly oozed ; 
Her frail body mangled the same, — 
Winona in nothing but name. 
Poor Winona, noble maiden, 
Thy short life with grief was laden. 
In the wide world there are but few 
That love so long and love so true. 
How few that would not sacrifice 
Purest love. Heaven's greatest prize ; 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 173 

Ambition's pure, ennobling flame, 
For gold, renown, or honor'd name ? 
Rather than break vows where is one 
That would now do as you have done ? 
What was wealth, what the world to you ? 
Your vow was strong, your love was true ; 
The earth, with all its gaudy show, 
"Was but a myth 'gainst Osseo. 

Nootimes was first to gain her form ; 
Dread and wild as the wildest storm 
\Yas the grief that shook his strong frame ; 
He cursed his pride, his honor'd name. 
He tore the gay plumes from his head, 
And in his arms took up the dead. 
Her cold, bloody lips long were press'd 
To his own, and close to his breast 
Her lifeless form ; eyes that for years 
Before had not been dimm'd with te^rs 
Shed them o'er her like summer rain, 
Rending his very soul and brain ; 



174 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

He took one agonizing look, — 

His strong frame like an aspen shook, 

'^ Winona, darling, speak to me ! 
Dost thou not hear, canst not see me ? 
'Tis thy kind father speaks to thee, — 

Winona, come speak to me I 

" Oh ! is it true thy spirit's fled, 
To me and earth forever dead ? 
This iron frame is now unstrung, 
And this brave heart with anguish wrung ; 
Oh ! humbled is my haughty pride ! 
Great Spirit, better I had died 
Than live too see this awful day — 
Ten thousand deaths with agony ! 

1 wish to live one day to know 

Yon Spectre Chief, cause of my woe ! '" 

His friends all hasten to join him. 
With purest tears all eyes are dim ; 
They leave the spot, Nootimes before, 
In his arms, close to his breast, bore 



SYLVAN ALTAR IN THE BOWER. 175 

The mangled form of his daughter ; 
They stop at virge of the water 
And meet another mournful trainj— 
On a bier Konkontu is lain ; 
Together they pass o'er the lea, 
In concourse slow and mournfully ; 
They pass to the grove on the hill, 
All there is as beautiful still 
As when they went at dawn of day, 
To celebrate great festivity. 

Now they return the bride and groom, 
Not as before, in joy and bloom 
Of happy youth — but cold and dead ; 
Their gaudy robes and fair plumes red 
With blood from each now pulseless heart, 
Forms disfigured and rent apart. 

Thro' the beautiful colonade, 
'Mid tears, they silent bore and laid 
Them in the fair, sylvan bowers ; 
And moss with the wither'd flowers 



176 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Form'd the fair, modest funeral pall 
Over their mangled forms ; now all 
Of Winona, the nation's fair, 
And Konkontu, Agriscoe's heir 1 



177 



CANTO EIGHTH, 



PROUD SON Of MONTEZUMA 



At early dawn on the morrow, 
Kootimes bow'd with deepest sorrow, 
Goes to the Council Hail of State, 
Where the warriors assembled wait 
His wise council and last decree. 
In circles thej sit moodily ; 
The famed Peace-Pipe from first to last, 
From hand to hand, silently passed ; 
From every lip a wreath of smoke 
Curled o'er their heads yet neither spoke ; 
'Twas a silent, solemn meeting. 
They anxious wait Nootimes' greeting. 



178 

The lodge is spacious and most grand, 
A thousand might easily stand 
Upon its broad, smooth arena ; 
The walls with time are old and gray, — 
On all sides bows and spears are hungy 
With quivers and tomahawks swung 
Securely o'er head by the score, 
As tho' it was the nation's store 
House of armor, the secure place 
For robes and arms of war and chase. 
On the floor was a carpet, made 
Of furs of all kinds, neatly laid 
From end to end, from side to side, 
Their glory and the nation's pride. 

At farthest end of a long nave, 
Close guarded by a trusty brave, 
Near many more with ready hands, 
The Spectre Chief a captive stands 
Erect, with fearless, haughty air ; 
His plumes, contrasting with his hair, 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA, 170 

Drooping o'er his glittering crest, 
His arms are folded on his breast ; 
All his guards' wild, fierce curses heard, 
Yet answer'd not a single word ; 
He noticed none who come before. 
Till Nootimes enter'd at the door ; 
Then a tear dimm'd his eagle eye, 
His compress'd lips escaped a sigh — • 
No sigh of fear, but agony, 
Bringing Winona to memory. 

He enter'd, all rose to meet him, 
And as their Chief wildly greet him ; 
Then again regain their places. 
As before with gloomy faces. 
His will and pleasure silent wait. 
He advanced to the Chair of State, 
The proud Agriscoe's ancient seat ; 
In wildest cheers they join to greet, 
With loud praise and admiration. 
The old hero of the nation. 
24 



180 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 



The Pipe of Peace was lit and past 
Round from their Chief unto the last ; 
* Nootimes puffing last puff of smoke, 
Rose, and thus to the Council spoke : 

" Warriors, famed for true bravery, 
We all meet in council to-day, 
Just and impartially to try. 
For treason of the deepest dye, 
Osseo, once of our nation ; 
Who, 'gainst his sworn obhgation, 
Has been the leader of a band 
Of warriors from some foreign land ; 
With a bloody, relentless hand. 
Has been our scourge, with spear and brand. 
Since the day brave Agriscoe fell ; 
Numerous are crimes I could tell. 
Yet they are as well known by all. 

" Quanon, quickly hasten and call 
Guard and prisoner to our presence ; 
We wish to hear what weak defence 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 181 

He can bring against even one 

Charge : — treason, murder and arson ! " 

The prisoner, Osseo, is brought. 
Seemingly wrapp'd in deepest thought ; 
His memory dwells on days of yore, 
When he met all these braves before, 
On the war path and in the chase ; 
Shadows of sorrow pass o'er his face ; 
He stands erect and motionless. 
By look or deed would not confess 
He saw exulting joy, or heard 
Of all a single taunting word. 

" Spectre — Osseo," Nootimes said, 
" Your name has long inspired dread 
'Mong the bravest of our nation, 
Thinking you was more creation 
Of spirit than a human being ; 
We never were used to seeing 
Such deeds of valor as from thee, — 
With movements wrapp'd in mystery ; 



182 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN^ 

Yet by natural form and face, 
We know jou of the human race ; 
And more, to your dishonor know, 
You are the outlaw'd Osseo. 
You rally no friends in this strife, — 
'Tis your last trial on earth, in life ; 
Before witnesses I charge thee, 
Justly, freely and openly, 
First : a traitor of deepest dye, 
Cursing thy soul by perjured lie ! 
Second : 'gainst law you dealt the blow 
That kill'd your brave Chief, Agriscoe ! 
Third : without a provocation, 
You despoil'd your friends and nation 
Of their loved and great honored son, 
Konkontu, ere his life begun. 
These charges I bring, yes, and more :— 
For on yonder distant lake shore. 
In untimely graves, many braves 
Now sleep, and many more the waves 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 183 

That break on the silvery strand 
Bury forever beneath the sand, 

" Osseo, how great is thy crime ! 
Since our nation's memory of time, 
Such preconcerted villainy 
Has uo precedent in history. 
What should the nation now call you? 
What in payment should befall you ? 
I^raves of the tribe, for you to say ; 
Now what shall be the penalty ? " 

" He should die ! yes, die! let him die ! " 
Quick answer d all in fearful cry ; 
'' Yes, let him perish at the stake, 
His ashes strew upon the lake ! " 
Waiting thousands yell " let him die ! '* 
It seem'd the sound rose to the sky. 

Osseo heard the stern decree 
Without fear, most composedly ; 
All difference there could be seen 
Was a more fearless, haughty mien ; 



184 

His tall form raised higher, higher, 
His dark eyes flashing fiercest fire. 
On his head tower'd his gaudy crest. 
His arms dropp'd slowly from his breast ; 
Voice of danger, the name of fear, 
Seem'd music to his warlike ear. 

When commotion had died away 
Thus Osseo spoke : " Braves, I pray 
Attention to my humble plea ; 
I cannot claim a friend I see 
'Mong the warriors of Agriscoe ; 
I wish no leniency ; I know 
The enmity existing here 
Against me, yet I do not fear 
The death you have design'd for me, 
If I now could I would not flee. 
If at first I cared for safety, 
I would have not been here to-day. 
One blast while on yon cliff's high brow, 
Or should I wish it even now. 



PKOUD SON OF MGXTEZUMA. 185 

On this small bugle I now Iiold, 
Wrought from the very purest gold, 
Would bring to my aid braves more bold, 
More fierce and strong than they that hold 
Sway and man these defences here ; 
To rescue me they would not fear 
To penetrate dark perdition. 
I form'd this great expedition ; 
Myself arm'd, equipp'd and taught them ; 
Many thousand leagues have brought them 
From lands of their nativity, 
Beyond the wild Sierra Madra. 

'' I wish not conquest nor plunder, 
Tho' you all may greatly wonder ; 
Yet 'tis true, as Spirit is true, 
I have no enmity against you, 
Not one assembled here, not one. 
I was a foe but I am done ; 
The spirit of my destiny 
Ever urged me onward, brought me 



186 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

To consummation of my fate ; 
I came to save but was too late. 
I care not now for name nor state, 
My heart is cold and desolate ; 
The star that led me on at night, 
The sun by day that gave me light, 
Have gone out on earth forever — 
I have no hope, no — no — never ! 
As before, there is no joy in store 
Upon my boyhood's happy shore. 
The past is fill'd with deep regret. 
And if I wish'd I can't forget ; 
There is no hope, no joy for me, 
They're in the grave with "Winona ! 

" Many, yes, many moons have past, 
The time with me has vanish'd fast 
Since last I came to meet you here. 
It seems to me but one short year ; ' 
I was as highly honor'd then 
As the truest brave has e'er been ; 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA, 187 

None e'er braver on the war path, 
Nor swifter in chase ; yet the wrath 
Or envy of braves of the tribe, 
For aggrandizement or a bribe, 
Charged me false to my tribe and oath — ■ 
False villains I — perjured lies were both ! 
My accusers I could not know, 
Yet suspicion said Konkontu ; 
His opponent in love and chase. 
Believed him cause of my disgrace ; 
My heart waged parricidal war, 
Increased by my benefactor, 
Nootimes, father of Winona ; 
I took a vow that fatal day 
To avenge my causeless disgrace, — ■ 
Or annihilate Agriscoe's race. 
Terrible that oath was fulfill'd, 
Agriscoe and Konkontu kill'd ; 
Not by murderous treachery. 

But by just will of destiny. 
25 



188 

" Without a cause your cruel decree^ 
Without defence you banish'd me ; 
I wander'd westward an outcast, 
Many rivers and mountains past, 
Directed by the evening star, — 
Till entering a valley, far 
On the boundary of the earth, 
Proving to be land of my birth. 

" In this valley was erected 
A beautiful city, protected 
By strong walls, broad and very high, 
With minarets lost in the sky ; 
Sorrow and weariness forgot, 
I stood bound to the lofty spot ; 
Fragrance from thousands of flowers. 
Were wafted from the fair bowers 
On quiet, verdant plains below ; 
There seem'd no cause of want or woe 
In this peaceful Eldorado ; 
To me I thought there was no foe. 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 189 

I believed at last I had found 
The fair and happy Hunting Ground,— 
Unknown to bloody feuds and strife. 
Where I should have eternal life. 

" While thus I mused of future joy, 
Unseen a foreign foe deploy 
Swiftly round the place where I stood, — 
Cautiously thro' the broken wood ; 
When least expecting it I found 
Myself quick, most securely bound. 

" My captors were fair, stalwart braves, 
Numerous and fierce as the waves 
That, drove by a hurricane, break 
On the shores of yon stormy lake ; 
Their robes and arms glitter'd as bright 
As beams of shimmering moonlight 
On a placid, slumbering lake, 
When gentle, balmy zephyrs wake 
Beautiful, entrancing slumbers. 
Making wavelets without numbers. 



190 OSSEO, TIIE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

" They bore me to the city's gate, 
Thence to a brilliant Hall of State, 
Where a Chieftain, most proud and great, 
With an immense assembly wait. 
Or seem to wait, my special presence. 
'Twas a hall of great magnificence. 
Plated with pure silver and gold, 
Inlaid with jewels manifold. 
The Chief in bright crimson was dress'd, 
With a je weird shield on his breast ; 
His crest flash'd witli diamonds and pearls. 
Precious treasures of countless worlds ; 
His gaud}^, towering plume was made 
Of feathers, ev'ry form and sliade ; 
God-like he sat on brilliant throne, 
Wrought of pure gold and precious stone 
He rose, in foreign language spoke ; 
His soft and musical voice woke 
A thousand sweet echoes o'erhead, 
Where the spacious dome was spread ; 



PPvOUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. VJl 

He turn'd and pointed oft to me, 
As object of the vast assembly, 

" When he spoke my remember'd name, 
The council answer'd with acclaim, — 
Bore me in triumph from the hall, 
While loud cheers shook the very wall ! 
Taken to an adjoining room, 
As their braves equipp'd to the plarae. 

^' Then my guards obeisance paid me, 
The highest trying to aid me ; 
The Chief came each day to see me, 
While with me threw oif majesty, — 
With seeming ecstacy caress'd. 
And anxious held me to his breast, 

" Their strange language I soon was taught, 
And many mimic battles fought 
With heavy battle-ax and spear, 
Soon my guards were taught to fear 
The novice's quick develop'd might, — 
None dared meet me in equal fight. 



192 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

*' One night wliile pond'ring in my room^ 
The Chief there join'd me in the gloom, — 
As we had many times before, 
Talk'd our dark past and future o'er. 

" I then askM of him the strange cause 
Why, contrary to nations' laws, 
lie had loved and protected me, 
A stranger from foreign country. 

" * You are now well versed in our tongue. 
With battle-ax and spear ; among 
The bravest warriors there's not one 
That dare compete with you, my son. 
The secret I'll not keep from thee. 
Making your life a misery, 
Surrounding you with mystery ; 
You're the son of Montezuma, 
Ruler of a nation of strength ; 
My lovely hunting grounds, in length. 
Are bounded by the ocean waves ; 
In battle array my fearless bravee 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA, 19S 

Are numberd by many legions ; 

Even in the snowy regions. 

On the wild, fierce Siera Maddra, 

Or where the ocean barrs their way, 

No foe has e'er been found to long 

Withstand them, howe'er brare or strong ; 

My people are num'roirs as sands 

On the ocean's silvery strands ; 

My wealth, in pure silver and gold, 

Is unnumber'd, to worlds untold ; 

My jewels, every precious stone, 

To my nation are yet unknown. 

" ' You are honord with title great. 
Prince of this proud and powerful State, 
All this must seem most strange to thee. 
Yet even not less strange to me, 
That the " Great Fire God " should restore 
My son, lost many years before. 
You can't understand, I'll explain : 
Years ago, early in my reign, 



194: OSSEO, THE SPECTKB CIirEPTAIX, 

Across the wild mountains of snow 
Came a strange, fierce and fearless foe^ 
With tomahawk and bloody bow ; 
They plunged my land in deepest woe ; 
Eepulsed, my braves gave back in fear^ 
"With my reserves I ralhed here, 
Protected by our city's wall ; 
They besieged us, rallying all 
Their scatter'd forces from the plain, — 
Attacked us, their hopes were vain ; 
We repulsed them with great carnage^ 
Then quickly saUied forth, engaged 
Them steel to steel and hand to hand, 
And quickly drove them from the land. 
Across the mountains of snow, back 
To their lair, with blood on their track. 

'^ * Before battle, fearing defeat, 
Sent you and your mother to retreat 
Which I deem'd safe from all alarm, — 
The' I should die, wish'd you no harm. 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 195 

** * On the distant gulf, in a cave, 

I thought you secure ; but a slave, 
My confidant, through treachery. 
Without cause, fled to the enemy ; 
With a force, as their leader, went 
To the place of your concealment ; 
Your guards fought brave and nobly, 
Ten to one they soon lost the day ; 
Of all that fought, there was but one 
Escaped to tell the deeds they done, 
And bring the fearful news to me. 
Making life hopeless misery ; 
For from that day I ne'er had heard 
Of your strange fate a hopeful word, 
Till brought for examination 
Before the assembled nation. 
To magnificent Hall of State, 
By some kind, mysterious fate ; 
Thro' many long years protected, 
'Cross the wild mountains directed 
26 



196 OSSBO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN^ 

To the fair land of jour cliildhood. 

When on the rugged crags you stood,. 

Near place of your nativity, — 

My army's van in ambush lay, 

Waiting your approach anxiously, 

Believing you a foreign spy, 

Advanced before an enemy. 

To find if the intricate way 

Thro' the snowy mountains was free 

From my nation's strong soldiery ; 

My orders to capture, not kill. 

Believing with the rack, at will, 

I might easily force from thee 

The intent of the enemy. 

They captured without injury, 

Bound and brought you safe to me ; 

Your guards thought from form and bearing, 

Your thoughtless and fearless daring, 

Y''ou could not be a foreigner, 

Harbinger of impending war. 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA, 197 

They all believed they ne'er before 
Had seen a face or form that bore 
Such great semblance to their Chieftain ; 
While passing the road o'er the plain, 
Bringing you on to the city, 
Many gather'd to hear and see ; 
And as the braves said, every one, 
* He's Montezuma's long lost son ! ' 
A vast crowd follow'd to the gate ; 
I convened a Council of State ; 
Without desenting every one 
Believed you was my long lost son ; 
I nourish'd no hope 'til I knew 
I had some proof that it was true. 

" ' If true he is my son, conceal'd 
Soon 'neath his robes can be reveal'd 
A deep, broad scar on his breast, near 
His right shoulder, made by a spear 
Accidentally falling from rest. 
In childhood, on his tender breast, 



198 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

Years ago in tliis council ball, 
From 3^on gilded, glittering wall,— 
Time could not efface since his youth.' 
The scar was there reveafd ; — '• The truth I 
Tlie truth I ' wild the assembly cried, — 
In triumph bore you from my side ; 
'Twas a great day, yet I have thought 
Since then the same spirit tliat brought 
You safely back to me once more, 
May guard your mother on some shore ; 
Why rest while a captive may pine 
The mother of Montezuma's line ? 

'' ' I Avish still to hold Scepter of State, 
While you, as leader of my great 
And powerful army, can force way 
Across the wild Sierra Madra, 
Guarded by your brave warriors' might. 
Can put the barbarians to flight, 
And in your rambles, e'er too late. 
Save your mother from captive's fate. 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 199 

I will not fear for your safety, — 
None can surpass your bravery.' 

^' Heavenly such proposition, 
Idol of dreams such expedition ; 
Surrounded by honors and gold, 
And many blessings yet untold. 
Yet in memory and fair dreams 
I caught many pure, brilHant gleams 
Of consummated hope and pride, 
AVith fair Winona at my side, 
Honored as Montezuma's bride — 
Great Spirit! would she had not died. 
With all my great wealth and power, 
I was not satisfied an hour, — • 

Not a leisure moment nor day 
Till my expedition was on way." 

What all the wealth of things below 
But great disappointment and woe ; 
AVith bighest blessings from above, 
How will compare with faithful love ! 



200 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

If there's an angel thought on earth, 
With first pure love it has its birth. 
" My army in line on the plain, 
Anxious wait to commence campaign ; 
The sheen of each burnish'd spear mars 
Their Hnes as constilating stars, 
Contrasting the deep vaulted skies. 
I saw them with exulting eyes 
From the dome of the Capitol ; 
Then descending to spacious hall, 
Where honor'd by the brave and great, 
My father and Council of State 
Convened to bid me last adieu ; 
Ceremony being pass'd through, 
Montezuma placed o'er my breast 
This shield, on head this gaudy crest. 
Then gave me battle-ax and spear. 
Which have awed many hearts with fear. 
This crest is made of purest gold, 
Inlaid with diamonds manifold ; 



PROUD SON or MONTEZUMA. 201 

This armor from pure silver wrought,— - 
The art to us the Fire God taught ; 
Not supernatural the cause, 
But according to nature's laws, 
Your arrows and tomahawks glance, 
Giving me such strange appearance. 

" I left Montezuma's brilliant hall 
'Mid tears, embraced and bless'd bj all ; 
Heard the tocsin sound parting knell, — 
Montezuma whisper'd 'farewell.' 
Mounting my horse, I took my spear, 
Join'd mv army : cheer after cheer 
Welcomed me ; I rode gaily past 
Upon my snow-white steed, as fast 
As the wild tempest's swiftest wind, 
Leaving city and friends behind. 

" Quickly cross'd the mountain of snow, 
Meeting and defeating the foe ; 
With the Comanches, a fierce tribe, 
Found my mother ; with a great bribe 



202 OSSEO, THE SPECTKE CHIEFTAIN„ 



Of arms and gold, had her safely 
Brought to me without an injury ; 
She was in great joy at my side, 
Yet, for her safety, with a guide 
And greater part of my command, 
I sent her to her native land. 

" Then to consummate the mission 
Of my powerful expedition, 
I march'd many a weary day, 
Till I gain'd the Mississippi'; 
Foliow'd its course until in view 
Lake Pepin spread in placid blue ; 
Camping my force on distant hill, 
I left them to my favorite's will ; 
Then at midnight, in my canoe, 
From foreign home brought safely through, 
Cross'd the lake and enter'd yon bay, 
Conceal'd myself and waited day ; 
And most strangely it proved to be 
Agriscoe's annual jubilee. 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 203 

Konkontu near finish'd the race 
When I came in and gave him chase. 
To defeat him and once more see 
Winona and let her know me. 

" In race so deep was my disguise 
I deceived brave Agriscoe's eyes ; 
I whisper'd in Winona's ear, 
She knew me not but fied in fear ; 
I hover'd near, known as I was 
To your pass, your language and laws ; 
Oft you could have seen me hover 
Round, not as foe but as lover. 

" When I heard Konkontu's command 
Would hunt next day, went to my band ; 
With my braves form'd an ambuscade, 
And waited them in forest glade ; 
Wish'd to capture him to ask why 
He disgraced me with such a lie ; 
You know the issues of the fight, — 
He saved himself by hasty flight. 
27 



204 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

"My braves, fired with relentless wrath^ 
Eollow'd swift on Konkontu's path, — 
Wishing revenge for brothers' blood ; 
Like a long pent-up mountain flood 
They dash'd, a wild, resistless host, 
Down upon your van and outpost. 
I first endeavor'd to restrain 
Their fierce career, but found 'twas vain ; 
The tide of blood I tried to stay, 
For the sake of fair Winona. 

" AVhen you had safely left the shore, 
1 launch'd my canoe, plied the oar 
Thro' the dark waves close in your wake ; 
Risk'd my life for Winona's sake. 
On the waves, in the fierce tempest ; 
Reveal'd myself to her — confess'd 
I was in truth a real being ; 
She would not believe, when seeing 
Me without danger brave the waves. 
Where sank a hundred of your braves. 



*' I bore her to place of safety, 
And in a path laid her gently ; 
CoBceal'd in a cave lash'd by waves, 
I saw her rescued by your braves ; 
Here I waited thro' tedious day ; 
At night, on a well-known pathway, 
Enter'd your well-guarded stronghold ; 
By unsuspecting guard was told 
That a vow had just been plighted, 
And at dawn would be united 
Konkontu and Winona one 
In- the bonds of earthly union. 
I fear'd the guard had seen me start, 
A fearful doubt was in my heart. 
In place of pleading my just cause, 
Entreating justice in your laws, 
She proved me false in every part, 
And most of all in vow of heart. 
My soul trembled with dreadful fear, — 
But for her I had not been here ; 



206 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

Tho' cause for loss of confidence, 
With hope and love I reared a fence, 
Strong and high, round mj anxious hearth- 
Still linger'd near, could not depart ; 
Something seem'd to whisper to me, 
' Wait the stern will of destinj.' 
As you all well know, I did wait, — 
Have seen the cruel decree of fate. 
While conceal'd on yon steep rock's side. 
Saw Winona Konkontu's bride ; 
My heart cursed her inconstancy — 
Soon passion changed to misery. 
I saw her climb the steepy rock, 
And mournful dirge heard with a shock ; 
Her danger flashing thro' my mind, 
I followed her not far behind. 
And saw presentment truly real ; 
I thought could I now but reveal 
Myself in time, she would be saved. 
At this moment Konkontu braved 



PROTJD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 207 

My anger, barr'd my only path ; 
Seeing me roused his fiercest wrath. 
He grasp'd me, struck me as I past, — 
That fatal insult was his last ! 
I was free, but alas ! too late, — 
'Twas the design of ordain'd fate, 
Winona was true with last breath, 
Even to gloomy shades of death! 

" How long, how faithful you had loved, 
Kot less, not less was you beloved ! 
Winona, Osseo will join thee 
In spirit, 'cross the darksome sea! 
Gone is the star of destiny, — 
Gone with thee, my fair Winona ! 
There is no joy on earth for me, 
What's life without a victory ? 

" Nootimes, you all have heard my plea, 
Your sentence I've no cause to flee ; 
Do as you wish, I will care not, 
For on this earth there's no spot 



208 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 



That lias a charm for me — not one 
I love of all beneath the sun. 
These great offences charged to me 
Have developed dread tragedy ; 
Yet I fear not, do as you will, 
I know you can at most but kill ; 
We all must die, I do not fear 
What moment I end sorrow here." 

He closed ; the Council was silent — 
Not a voice nor single movement 
Disturbinsr their silent musing ; 
Cautious every one seem'd choosing 
Between fierce anger and the right — 
'Twas midnight struggling for light. 

At last Quanon rose from his place, 
With tearful eyes and downcast face. 
And thus address'd the silent crowd : 
*' Warriors and hunters, I am proud 
Remorse of conscience compels me 
To reveal conceal'd mystery ; 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 209 

Osseo says ■■ not guilty ! ^ — 'tis true 
As heaven I which I'll prove to you : — 

" In the past, many moons ago, 
When our brother, brave Osseo, 
Dwelt among us in happiness, 
I became jealous of address 
He in secret paid Winona ; 
With Oneep here, I contrived way 
To make him lose his honor'd place, 
Which ended in his cruel disgrace. 
Winona loved him we all well know, 
To the last was faithful and true. 
Osseo friendless, without name. 
None knew his race, nor whence he came ; 
My heart was fill'd with jealous fire, — 
He, poor and unknown, should aspire 
To the hand of the nation's fair. 
While Konkontu, Agriscoe's heir, 
With wealth and honor far above, 
Long unsuccessful woo'd her love. 



210 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN. 

*' Oneep and I conspired in -wrath 
To die, or move him from our path. 
While on a hunting expedition, 
Oneep proved him on a mission 
To induce a foreign enemy 
To invade our fair country — 
Our faLse ruse was received as true. 
Osseo, causeless they banish'd you ; 
I would have seen you die to-day, 
If your pure love for Winona 
Had not touch'd a brother's heart, — 
I can but act a brother's part. 
For this mad, unrelenting crime 
A curse seems on our line for time ; 
My cruel part I willing confers 
By entreating his forgiveness ; 
What e'er his penalty may be, 
Let it fall on Oneep and me." 

Quanon sat down ; commotion rose 
In the Council ; many oppose 



PROUD SON OF :\L0NTEZOIA. 211 

First decision, wish to revoke, 
Consider'd passionately spoke. 
Nootimes rose, order'd Council still, 
All subservient to his will : — 

'^ There now seems to be division 
On the Council's first decision ; 
Quanon's confession materially 
Changes my own great enmity ; 
Osseo has suffer'd greatly, — 
Persecutors are the guilty ! 
Once again — wluit is your decree?" 
*' That Osseo a^ain <2;o free I '' — 
AVas quick their answer, wild and loud, 
Prolonged hy the excited crowd. 

" Osseo, welcome to remain 
With the tribe, or go free again ! 
Your fault was truest bravery, 
Kot treason, join'd with treachery ! 
Stay or depart at liberty, — 
And keep our names in memory." 
28 



212 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN„ 

Up rose Oneep, eyes flashing fire, 
Heart burning with revengeful ire, 
His tomahawk brandish'd in air : — 
" Give back! give back ! give me a fair. 
Equal trial to die or erase 
From my proud name this deep disgrace ! 
What ! ye warriors of Agriscoe ! 
Have you so soon forgot your woe ? 
Has great Agriscoe's name no place 
In memory ? Last of his race, 
Among his friends assembled here, 
None drop an affectionate tear, 
Or sympathize in my great grief 
For loss of my father — your Chief? 

" Here stands the cold and bloody foe, 
Who wounded to death Agriscoe ! 
Yes, he dealt the treacherous blow. 
Plunging the nation in great woe ! 
How seeming innocent he stands. 
With Konkontu's blood on his hands ! 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 213 

Free the wolf because he howls well! 
Did you reason thus when he fell 
On us with a fierce, foreign foe, 
Laying your bravest warriors low ? 
I wish a trial of equal chance, — 
As you wish, with knife, bow or lance ! 
I wish to try his boasted might ! 
I will write, by the last dim light 
Of his dying eyes, on my face 
Montezuma's eternal disgrace 
With the purest blood in his veins ! 
The land where Montezuma reigns 
Shall see him no more — no ! never! 
Agriscoe's curse on him forever ! 
Konkontu's blood cries from the ground ; 
Braves, hearken to the mournful sound. 
And to my plea be true and just, — 
'Tis duty, avenge them I must! 
Have I none here to sustain me, 
Even one in this assembly ? " 



i^l4 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CHIEFTAIN^ 

Oneep^s fierce speech disturb'd them still 
More than before ; some change their will. 
Some more deep in revolving thought ; 
While others quick and anxious sought 
Cause for an amended decree, 
To place again in jeopardy. 

Nootimes quick rose again to speak, — 
" What, warriors ! what do you now seek — 
To retract unanimous decree, 
Given most free and openly ? 
Are you hke the lake, by each wind 
Iluffled ever in form and mind ? 
I will be just on last decree ! 
Once again — shall he now go free ? " 

" No — no — not yet ! " a hundred cried, 
From the dense crowd on every side ; 
" Let him equally take his chance 
With Oneep, with knife, bow or lance, 
In fair and honorable fight, — 
Let the Spirit approve the right." 



PKOUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 215 

"As you wish, be it as you say, 
To decide between I have a way : 
At his own will in flight or strife, 
I give him equal chance for life ; 
An hour hence, if 'tis your will, 
Osseo can start from yon hill, 
Well arm'd, and with sufficient store 
To sustain him to other shore, 
Where he can join his warlike band. 
Conduct them to their native land ; 
But if contrary is his will, 
He can linger and try his skill 
With Oneep, in the forest drear, 
No friends or foes to interfere ; 
For one hour after he has gone, 
Oneep, arm'd, will be placed upon 
His trail — the Spirit judge the right, 
Impartially in equal fight. 

" Warriors, how many will agree 
In fair proposition with me ? 



216 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CniEFTAIN. 

It gives Oneep an equal chance 
To draw his bow or poise his lance ; 
And gives Osseo hope, at will 
In flight or fight to try his skill." 

" Chief, as you direct may it be, — • 
Great Spirit, give the victory !" 
Was the united declaration 
To brave Nootimes' last oration. 

" Then, my braves, be it as you say, 
Arm and equip him for the way ; 
Give him bow, tomahawk and knife, 
In the strife to defend his life ; 
We captured him witliout a bow, 
He came to camp not as a foe ; 
We should not send him on his way 
Without provision for one day." 

" Brave, noble Nootimes, I thank thee 
For consummating kind decree ; 
Braves of the tribe of Agriscoe, 
Montezuma is no more thy foe ; 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 217 

This noble act of brave Nootimes 
Brings back the joys of other times 
To memory, when happy and free 
I wander'd here with Winona. 
It seems to roe an ideal dream, 
Or one last bright, treacherous gleam 
Of joy from hope's dismantled altar ! 
I wish delay — should I falter ? 

" Nootimes, thyself and this fair spot 
By me shall never be forgot ; 
Thy face and this place I may see 
No more, — I go to my country ; 
I ask no time nor no delay, 
Now let me soon be on my way." 

They well arm'd and well equipp'd him, 
His heart was full, his eyes were dim . 
With tears of gratitude and joy ; 
While the warriors all quick employ 
Themselves in bidding him adieu. 
Believing him noble and true — 



218 OSSEO, THE SPECrRE CHIEFTAIN, 

Oncep, last son of Agriscoe, 
In the Coimcil liis only foe, 

When equipp'd, ready to depart, 
Compassion shook Noo times' heart ; 
He grasp'd him in his arms and prest 
Him long and anxious to his breast : — - 
" When you are gone there's but regret 
Left me ; when thinking of me let 
Not a curse fall on my grey head, — 
I am the father of our dead 
Winona, in yon fair bower. 
When you go, be swift ; hence an hour 
Oneep will be close on your trail ; 
Beware ! he is ne'er known to fail 
xVll 'vantage he could take — beware ! 
When from our sight he's never fair ; 
He will not win by bravery, 
But by deep fraud or treachery. 
Go, and the gloomy past forget, — 
With honor'd friends be happy yet ; 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 219 

Now silver hairs are on my head, 
My great stay, Winona, is dead ; 
Soon place that knows me shall never 
Know me here no more forever ; 
My hope is on the other shore, — 
Winona will conduct me o'er !" 

Osseo left the Council Hall 
With blessings and good will of all ; 
Nootimes hoped him honor and fame ; 
Warriors said,—" We revere thy name ;" 
Matrons and maidens join the knell, 
Shrieking, — ^' Brave Osseo, farewell.'* 

Thro' village to the grove he past, 
To look but once more, for the last 
Time, upon fair Winona's grave ; 
Altho' his heart was strong and brave, 
Yet his form was bow'd in sorrow :— ~ 
*' My poor Winona ; to-morrow 
I'll be many miles from this spot, 
Yet the past can ne'er be forgot ; 
29 



220 

Winona, on tlie dark, strange sea 
Of dread eternity meet me ; 
I will need thy canoe and hand 
To take me to the Spirit Land." 

When he left the sylvan bower, 
He took thence a wither'd flower, — 
An emblem of Winona's fate. 
The sun was low", 'twas growing late 
When he had gain'd the steep rock's side, 
Where his pure, loved Winona died ; 
lie stood alone and gazed once more 
O'er woodland, river, lake and shore ; 
While his lips escaped parting sighs, 
He turn'd his bright and tearful eyes 
To the village on distant green, 
Then on the lovely grove between. 
Where silent sleeps Winona ; 
Dashing trembling tears away, 
He waved his gaudy crest in air, 
A moment meditated there. 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA, 221 

Then taking the trail to the west, 
Soon was lost in the dark forest ; 
From distance echo'd like a knell 
The nation's last " farewell ! farewell I " 

He wander'd on the wild pathway, 
All pensive with dark memory ; 
The autumn's soft and fragrant breeze 
The golden leaves shook from the trees ; 
Birds flitting round, joyous and free, 
Fill'd the wild wood with melody. 
One hour cautious walk'd and swiftly, 
As tho' intent was quick to flee 
Avenger hast'ning on his track ; 
He often quick gazed anxious back, 
When he left a brake or hollow. 
To see if Oneep would follow. 

On mossy rock he sat to rest. 
The sun was fading in the west ; 
Shimmering beams now and then shot 
Thro' foliage on the silent spot ; 



222 OSSEO, THE SPECTRE CniEFTAIN , 



Surrounding forest is dense and drear^ 
A rivulet is mnrmuring near ; 
With its roar, now all that is heard. 
Is the shrill cry of the night bird. 

On a rock in the solitude, 
Surrounded by the gloomy wood, 
Osseo, with his bow in hand, 
Watching for Oneep takes his stand ; 
Silent, erect and motionless, 
For one hour no movements confess 
Him more than stationary part 
Of nature^s grand, natural art. 
The rustling of a leaf is heard, 
Then wildly shrieks with fear a bird, 
As tho' just startled from its Aest, 
Or unexpected woke from rest. 

Osseo's ear quick caught the sound, 
At single bound was on the ground. 
And behind the rock well conceal'd ; 
Then peering round there was reveal'd, 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUiiA. 228 

Less than a handred paces back, 
Close examining his broad track, 
Couch'd dovvn upon his very knees, 
Peering thro' tangled vines and trees, 
As best he could with fading day, 
Sly Oneep stealing on his prey; 
How he conceaFd his form so well 
To gain that place he could not tell. 

" He thinks to win by treachery,-— 
I'll try success with strategy," 
Osseo said : no quicker said 
Than executed ; from his head 
He took his plumed and jewell'd crest, 
Just o'er the rock quick made it rest 
On the end of his trusty bow, 
High enough to deceive his foe, — 
To draw his first and surest shot 
And quickly bring him to the spot. 

Oneep saw the plumes at a glance, 
Thought it was now his favor'd chance ; 



224 OSSE&, THE SPECTEE CHIEFTAIN, 

Slow and cautiously rose upright, 
Drew his bow, with deliberate sight, 
Quick as thought let the arrow fly, 
The forest echo'd with his cry ; 
He thought he struck his foeman's head,, 
The plumes went down, his foe is dead ; 
He dropp'd his bow and drew his knife, 
To take his scalp ere end of life. 
To taunt and jest his vaunt'd power. 
With curses haunt his dying hour. 

Swift as the wind he gain'd the rock, 
And stood aghast with mental shock. 
For appear d before him, not dead. 
But arm'd complete, with crest on head, 
With bow in hand, arrow in rest. 
Directly pointed at his breast, 
Osseo waits his fierce attack. 
Trembling with fear, Oneep starts back,- 
There was no hope, 'twas now too late. 
It was the stern decree of fate. 



"■'* Stand I ■' Osseo cried, " Warrior, stand ! 
Dost see this arrow in my hand ? 
Let me relax thumb or nng^r, 
This bright, swift shaft will not linger 
Jjong upon this strong bow's slight rest, 
But quiver in mj foeman's breast ; 
You wish'd to gain by treachery, — - 
I do not ask such victory ; 
I'll be more just, more true and fair, — 
I wing my harmless dart in air." 
He changed its course, and quick as said, 
Discharged it harmless o'er his head. 

" Now, Oneep, you wish to erase, 
With my pure blood, your deep disgrace ; 
We equal arm'd can with the knife, 
Now soon decide our feudal strife ; 
With me you have a favor'd chance, 
You are aggressor, now advance." 

Cowards, in cause of wrong or right, 
When life's at stake will fiercely fight ; 



220 OSSEO, THE SPECTTRE CHIEFTAIN, 

Oneep, now like a wolf at baj, 
Saw Lis only chance for safety- 
Was in his steel or greater strength ; 
Quickly his eye measured the length 
Of space between himself and enemy, 
Then making feignM intent to flee, 
To put Osseo off his guard, 
He then swiftly bounded forward. 

Thro' the faint gloom of coming night, 
Their bright blades fiash'd a hurried light ; 
Struck by a powerful, stunning blow, 
Oneep, beside the rock, lies low — 
Disarm'd ; his strong knife struck the ground 
Distant many steps ; while the sound 
Of his wild war-whoop of despaii- 
Was echo'd on the forest air. 

Before his eyes Osseo's blade 
Around his head a circle made, 
Ani his dark scalp, the foeman's prize, 
Was dripping blood before his eyes. 



PROUD SON OF MONTEZUMA. 227 

" Mercy ! " Oneep cried, " Oh ! Mercy ! 
How very strange I could not see 
You was a dread Demon of Night, — 
Mortals can't kill in equal fight ! '' 

'* I give mercy ; to me youn life 
Is not worth the hilt on my knife ; 
Go I and be a curse to that race 
You would honor with my disgrace ! '' 

In the deepening gloom of night, 
Osseo faded from Oneep's sight, 
And from that hour was never more 
Seen on Lake Pepin's rocky shore ; ' 
Yet each year, on anniversary 
Of fair Winona's wedding day, 
'Tis a legend, the Indians say. 
The famous Spectre Chieftain may 
Be seen, at the hour of midnight, 
In silver armor, glittering bright. 
His snow-white plumes in jewell'd crest. 
His golden shield upon his breast, 
30 



228 

His ponderous battle-ax in hand, 
Silent and gloomy an hour stand 
On the edge of the rocky steep, 
Where fair Winona made her leap ; 
Then by the grave in the bower 
Pass one more silent, pensive hour. 

And when storms are raging at night, 
By the fierce hghtning's lurid light, 
He is seen, in his bright canoe, 
On the wildest waves, dashing thro' 
The dark mist and silvery spray. 
Toward the dangerous, rocky bay. 

Warriors after, when belated, 
Shunn'd the rock, or anxious waited 
For sunlight of the coming day 
To drive the Spectre Chief away. 

FINIS. 



GLOSSARY 



Agris''coe, God of War. 

Baim-wa^-wa, Thunder. 

Gitche Man^ito, Great Spirit; blaster of Life. 

Island of the Blessed, the Spirit Land. 

Jee^bi, a ghost. 

Konkon^tu, the Raven. 

Me^das, medicine men. 

Moon of Bright Nights, April. 

Moon of Leaves, 3fay. 

Moon of Falling Leaves, September. 

Mone^do, God of the Tempest. 

Noontimes, the Oak. 

Oneep'', the Fox. 

Osse^o, Son of the Evening Star. 

Pone^mah, Hereafter. 

Quan^'on, the Haiok. 

Shawanda^-see, South Wind. 

IVtem, Coat of Arms. 

Unktahee^, God of Water. 

Wino^na, the first-horn. 



I. i 



C H I C A M A U G A 



PREFACE 



The following Poem, written on the Battle of 
Chicamaiiga, was composed at Chattanooga at the 
time of the Seige, soon after that sanguinary en- 
gag<)ment, in a tent on the banks of the majestic 
Tennessee, under the shaddow of Lookout Moun- 
tain. The style is mystic, but there must be mys- 
tery in verse, — something left for the imagination, 

I have written a report of the Battle in prose, 
yet I am confident there Avere issues in the Battle 
detail could not reach, — moments when the imag- 
ination, with its most ideal fancies, could not des- 
cribe the awful sublimity of the scene. 

Let us deck the prose 
With the ideal Rose— 
Heaven-born Poetry. 



CHIC AM AUG A. 



At mention of that dread name, how many hearts are 
tilled with emotion — how many eyes are dimmed with 
(ears — as it brings to memory the heroes that fell npon 
that bloody battle field ? Almost every fireside in the 
West lost an occupant, and every heart-string has chimed 
its mournful cadence. Chicamauga will not live alone 
npon the gilded pages of history — it is indelibly impressed 
ni)on the hearts of the American people. The incidents 
of that drea:3ful battle will be remembered by the living 
heroes of that day for half a century. Chicamauga, in 
jny estimation, was the most decisive battle of the war ; 
it broke forever the gigantic jiower and martial spirit of 
the foe. 

BEFOBE THE BATTLE. 

'Twas the silvery dawn of day, 
The golden sunbeams gently play 
'Round the shades of declining night ; 
Yenus still burns her brilliant light 
Low in the flushing eastern sky, 
Looking Avith a fast, waning eve 



4 CHICAMAUQA. 

Upon a sea of burnished steel, 
Whose rushing tide is soon to seal 
A glorious compact with the free, 
And give to justice fair victory. 

On either side there mi^jht be seen 
Quiet valleys lying just between ; 
Line upon line, like wave on wave, 
Fifty thousand patriots brave, 
And eighty thousand Waiting foe, 
^Long murmuring river lying low, 
Soon with steel and murderous lead 
to wake the " Angel of the Dead," 
Who stands Avith spear on fluttering wings 
To pierce the heart with mortal stings. 

We unfurled the Banner of Glory, 

The great immortal of story. 

The emblem of liberty and right ; — 

They flaunted flags of boasted might. 

Quick the cavalry dashed o'er the plain. 

Sword from scabbard and hand on rein ; 

Infantry moved in phalanx ahead, 

The ground shook with the measured tread ; 

Shrieking shell and musketry rattle 

Gave warning of the coming battle. 



CHICAMAUGA. b 

General Wilder's Brigade of Invincible Mounted In- 
fantry and Cavalry, at this time forming a part of the 
Mounted Force of the Old Army of the Cumberland, 
made a daring charge upon a rebel battery, carrying it 
at the point of the sword. It was a heroic charge, and 
will be a lasting honor to himself and command forever. 
Their deeds are worthy the emulation of the future 
American Cavalry. 

THE CAVALRY CHARGE. 

" To horse ! to horse ! " brave Wilder cried ; 
" Your country's hope, your country's pride ! 
Now by your deeds let valor shine 
From every face in each strong line ; 
Nerve your arms with Spartan might, — 
You strike for country, God and right ! 
And let each eye be sure of aim, 
When anxious foes receive your flame, 
Then when your lead has done its part, 
Strike your cold steel to very heart." 

"Charge! Wilder, charge! that battery's thine!'' 
"Charge! charge! charge!" rang 'long the line; 
Quick to their place the steeds were spurred, 
Their courage to its mettle stirred ; 
\Vith spread nostrils and flowing mane, 
Swept with their riders o'er the plain, 
Like the wildest wind swiftly sped, 
31 



b CHIC AM AUG A. 

'Mid shot and shell and -whizzing lead. 
Where the* red mouth of the cannon 
Dealt death with leaden companion. 

Thej are all lost 'mid fire and smoke ; 
With crashing carbines and saber stroke 
They dash upon the foe, cross steel, 
At every stroke a death-blow deal ; 
The enemy quick give way and flee, — 
Long was the shout of victory ; 
The Invincible, less many score, 
Rein in their steeds, the contest o'er ; 
Wildei: as great rides from the gloom. 
As brave Murat with snow-white plume. 



The contest now became general, the boom of cannon 
echoed and re-echoed each discharge in quick succession, 
the continual crash of musketry, the shrieking shell, the 
whizzing ball, the shout of friends, the howl of foes, 
made the air tremble with deafening din. The battle 
raged incessantly along the extended line ; lines of battle 
moved to and fro, like waves upon a tempestuous sea ; the 
enemy advance, now retreat, their lines shattered and 
broken. They rush forward again, and are crushed 
by the flames of death that are poured upon them- 
They stagger back, bring up their Keserves, fresh for the 
fight, in overpowering numbers ; rush madly upon our 



CHICAMAUGA. 



extended line, find the vital point, file through, and the 
battle's weal must be reprieved, hand to hand and 6te<9l 
to steel. 



THE IJSFANTRY CHARGE. 

Deep silence a moment ruled o'er 
The field; musketry and cannon roar 
Echoed faintly in distant dell ; 
Tides of battle roll back, then swell 
To mountain waves, and once more dash 
'Long the line ; the musketry crash 
Commingles in prolonged death knell ; 
Like waves o'er waves lines rose and fell, 
While thousands on the blood-stained sod 
Lay dying for country and God. 

The fatal hour had come at last, 
The bravest of the brave stood aghast ; 
While quick 'long the hne was given 
Startling news — " the right is driven 
From position I " To contend seem'd vain,- 
The Gordian Knot is now in twain ; 
The hour has come when battle's weal 
Calls arm to arm and steel to steel ; 
In each w^an face and tearless eye 
Was will to conquer or to die. 



8 CHICAMAUGA. 

'Mid flames rode Thomas, the hero, — 
" Grasp firmly your muskets ; the foe 
Are before you — victory waits you, 
They are strong, but your steel is true ; 
Hear ! charge, charge, to the bugle sound ! 
'Mid wild shouts the echoes are drowned, 
Like an avalanche they rush ahead, 
O'er the wounded, dying and dead, — 
'Mid the sulphurous flames and smoke, 
Striking for Union, with ev'ry stroke. 



The carnage had come; a thick, dark smoke covered 
the field ; the roar of cannon, combined with din of battle 
seemed like the power of some great tempest, rending in 
twain the universe. Friends and foes, covered with 
!)lood and smoke, fought like demons ; amid the flames, 
continually flashing from contending lines of battle, 
Cavalry and Infantry charged and re-charged- over 
fallen men, in their frenzy heeding not the supplica- 
tions of the wounded, nor the prayers of the dying. 
Artillery and horsemen crushed and mangled the pros- 
trate, in their mad career from place to place ; bayonets 
were crossed in the dread encounter ; the air was filled with 
missiles of death ; the ground was slippery with human 
gore, ; dead men lay in ghostly lines, and thousands every 
hour were passing to the shades of eternity. 



CniCAMAUGA, 



THE CARNAGE. 



Friend and foe in death struggle met, 
At very point of the bayonet ; 
Steel rang loud on contending steel ; 
To and fro phalanx on phalanx reel ; 
Bayonets are red with blood of life, — 
Loud, louder grew the awful strife ; 
The sod, so green an hour before, 
Is dark and red with human gore ; 
Perdition ne'er saw more awful sight 
Than this, the carnage of the fight ! 

The air was thick with sulphurous smoke, 
The cannons' roar and sabres' stroke 
Sounded fiercely in the battle's gloom 
The requiem of each hero's doom ; 
In lines the dead and mangled lay, 
Martyrs to war's dread, bloody day ; 
Lines rally, advance, then give way ; 
Loud as the roar of grand Niagara 
Was cannon and musketry rattle, 
Moving 'long the tide of battle. 

Cannoneers died, halliards in hand. 
Officers fell while giving command ; 
Face to face they fight, friend and foe, 



10 CHICAMAUGA. 

Witli steel to heart many lie low ; 
The Cavalryman, first in the lead, 
Lies stark and cold beside his steed ; 
Thousands fallen, but thousands still 
Contending o'er valley and hill ; 
Like glorious Spartans they stand, 
A weak but invincible band. 



General Thomas, with the left and center, fought des- 
perately against overpowering numbers. The enemy 
charged his defensive position five successive times, and 
were as often repulsed with great slaughter. Ammuni- 
tion w^as fast giving out ; the enemy gradually circumve- 
ning his lines, endeavoring to cut his communication 
with General Rosecrans at Chattanooga. General Long- 
street had occupied Rossville Gap, his only line of re- 
treat. All seemed lost, when the Reserve Corps, under 
command of General Granger, called "The Forlorn 
Hope," was ordered to charge and take the Gap and 
open communication. He chai ged and captured the Gaj) 
at the point of the bayonet, but the cost was great, — thous- 
ands of brave men lay wounded and dead upon the field. 
The Reserve saved Thomas, and Thomas saved the army. 
The famous "Ladder Brigade," commanded by General 
Whitaker, to which I was attached, was in this memor- 
able charge, and won imperishable laurels. 



CHICAMAUGA. 11 



THE FORLORN HOPE. 



The Reserve swift to rescue come 
With martial tread to fife and drum ; 
They come, with proud banners flying, 
Thro' the shot and shell, defying 
The glistening steel and whizzing lead, 
Now striking many cold and dead ; 
But no power can long withstand 
The spirit of this chosen band, — 
They come like billows on ocean, 
Tossed by tempest's wdld commotion. 

In line, Avhere death shots thickest fly, 
Brave Granger rides, with eagle eye 
Quick movements of foes beholding ; 
Lines extending, now enfolding^ 
As the enemy dash madly round 
The " Forlorn Hope." Hark to the sound 
Of Whitaker's clear, clarion voice : — 
" The First Brigade, my noble choice, 
Advance ! " he cried, while flashed his eye ; 
" Advance ! I'll fight them till I die ! " 

Onward, with " Crescent " boldly flying, 
Thro' " Ravines of Death," defying 
The storm of iron and leaden hail 



12 CHIC AM AUG A. 

That mutters such a gloomy wail ; 
Thro' the valley, across the rill, 
O'er parapets and up the hill, 
On the summit our flag is "waved, 
The Gap is ours, brave Thomas saved,- 
And golden rays of sitting sun 
See Chicamauga lost and won ! 



With close of day closed the three days' battle me- 
morable as Chicamauga. The contest had been one of 
the most bloody and powerful in its results of any battle 
of the war ; the fighting upon both sides was equal in 
desperation. After the three days' engagement, both 
armies occupied the same jiosition, the living mingled 
with the legions of ghastly dead and wounded covering 
the field ; both armies were worn out with slaughter. 
General Thomas held his position — the enemy were at 
bay — but as soon as the shades of night were deep enough 
to conceal his movements, he evacuated his isolated 
position and withdrew unmolested to Chattanooga. It 
was a grand and solemn scene to see the different com- 
mands moving silently through the midnight gloom, the 
last of the living war-worn heroes of the battle. Twelve 
thousand of their brave comrades, that were marshaled 
with them for the fight three days before, lay dead and 
wounded upon the field, without a friend to assist them 
in their misery. 



CHICAMAUGA. 13 



AFTER THE BATTLE. 



Night wrapped a mantle o'er the field, 

No arms of death the armies wield ; 

Black clouds of smoke hung 'bove the plain 

When golden beams began to wane 

To a pale and shadowy light, 

Closed Chicamauga's fearful fight; 

The cannons' echo rose and fell 

Away o'er woodland, hill and dell ; 

The awful stillness of the hour 

Seemed mocking the loud din of war. 

Oh ! what horror, such ghastly sight, 
Was witnessed that long, silent night, 
Upon that field of war and blood ! 
Thro' the deep and tangled wildwood. 
And 'long the murmuring rivulet. 
Many see the last bright sunset, 
While swift their life-blood ebbs away 
Without a single, bright, fair ray 
Of hope ; no friends to staunch the flow 
Of blood or cheer last hours of woe. 

A field of death the battle-ground, — 
Deep hushed as sleep each warlike sound ; 
Angels of Death and Angels of Life 
32 



14 CHICAMAUGA. 

Make desperate, invisible strife 
For spirits passing silent away 
From forms of perishable clay ; 
The cry of the wounded none hear, 
None to dry the last parting tear ; 
Without assistance foe and friend 
In anguish lie waiting the end. 



There were many signs of valor among the dead upon 
the battle-field. The combatants met in many places at 
the point of the bayonet ; they lay commingled in ghastly 
groups and lines where they had fallen in the hand to 
hand encounter. Around one piece of disabled artillery, 
where the contest had been the most severe, lay over a 
^ hundred dead ; here the enemy had charged one of our 
batteries. An artillery officer still stood erect, one hand 
upon a gun-carriage the other grasping his trusty sword, 
in the act of striking at an enemy, when a rifle ball 
had entered his breast, leaving him a monument over the 
dead. A bold soldier lay cold in death, still holding to 
an artillery wheel, and in close embrace lay many others, 
where they had fallen contending for mastery. 

THE IMMORTAL DEAD. 
'Round a piece of broken artillery 



A hundred mangled warriors lay, 
Where the strife raged hottest for hours, 



CHICAMAUGA. 15 

Where couched war's deadliest powers ; 
Earthly legions are all banished, 
The living in distance vanished, — 
The dead are the victors that hold 
The field where desperately bold 
They contended with foes in life 
In the heat of deadliest strife. 

A warrior stands among the rest 
With bullet thro' his pulseless breast, 
A proud monument o'er the dead ; 
Glazed his eyes, uncovered his head. 
His trusty sword held in death grip, — 
While from its glittering blade drip 
Drops of gore ; terror to the foe — 
In death a monumental hero ; 
Tho' stricken dead by well aim'd ball, 
Like Crittenden, too proud to fall. 

'Round him lay the uncovered dead, 
Where they fought and nobly bled ; 
The friend and foe commingled lay, 
The " Union Blue " and " Rebel Grey." 
To-day their swords crossed in the fight. 
And in cold death they lie to-night, 
With friends and foes in close embrace, 



16 CHICAMAUGA. 

Lying as they fell, face to face, 
Where the cruel, murderous shot 
Mangled them dreadful on the spot. 



On the evening of the ever memorable 20th of Septem- 
ber, when leaving the battle-field, I passed two soldiers 
bearing a wounded boy on a hastily constructed bier, 
some gentle mother's idol, very young and extremely 
fair, his golden shaded hair hung in rich profusion 
round his noble brow ; he was pale, but cheerful, though 
suffering great pain from three mortal wounds in his 
young breast. He asked his comrades to rest him as I 
passed ; they laid him upon a gentle hillock, beneath 
the spreading branches of an oak tree, on the banks of 
the rivulet, where his spirit passed away while he talked 
of mother, home and victory. He was with General 
Thomas in his heroic defence of the left and center of 
the army, and fell while planting his country's flag upon 
a parapet. He was called 

THE BOY IN BLUE. 

The sun was fading in the sky, 
They gently laid him down to die ; 
Thro' awful day of death and blood, 
Brave with the bravest he had stood 
With Thomas in the " Jiine of Flame ;" 
The flag was down, an order came, 



• CHICAMAUGA. 17 

And from the ranks he bravely strode 
As Curtis to the Forum rode ; 
While flaunting our banner in pride, 
He wounded fell near at its side. 

" Comrades, now lift me from the bier ; 
Oh ! let me rest in silence here ; 
'Tis such a calm, beautiful retreat, 
No din of battle, no rushing feet 
Disturb me ; I'm faint and weary ; — 
Mother, sister, brother, dreary 
Will be your lot ; Paul is dying ! 
Comrades, is there hope ? You crying ! 
Yes, these wounds in my breast I feel 
No mother's hands nor tears could heal. 

" Comrades, tell me, ere I die. 
Does our fair flag still float on high ? 
If my life makes the day our own, 
I die content, without a groan ! " 
On comrades' breast he lent his head, 
Heaved a sigh and was cold and dead. 
They dug his grave by pale starlight. 
Near the banks of the rivulet. 
And his comrades, so brave and true, 
Shed pure tears o'er the " Boy in Blue." 



18 CHIC AM AUG A. * 

IN MEMORIAM. 

Let us drop a tear o'er the graves 
Of Chicamauga's fallen braves ; 
In verse now let us write their praise, 
Greatest monuments o'er them raise, 
Engrave their deeds on changeless stone, 
That foreigners from every zone, 
Making pilgrimage, may behold 
Records worthy letters of gold ; 
While friends give their memory tears, 
All their foes may tremble with fears. 

Now let each passing day and year 
See that a nation doth revere 
Her champions in memory bright. 
As pictured in heroic fight ; 
Oh ! let their graves ne'er be forgot. 
Where they rest e'er a sacred spot. 
Hallowed ground that doth now cover 
The form of a northern lover ; 
Deck it with flowers every year. 
And watered with a nation's tear. 

Now many years since then have fled. 
The grass grows green above the dead ; 
I stand beside the '* Woodland Tomb," 



CHICAMAU6A. 19 



Fair flowers undisturbed now bloom 
O'er their slowly mouldering dust ; 
Oh ! God is kind, Oh ! God is just, 
Historic is the battle-field, 
Prophecies are all now revealed, 
And written in immortal story 
Are lasting records to their glory. 



FINIS, 



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